The Permanent Indus Commission (PIC) is a bilateral body comprising representatives from both India and Pakistan, established to oversee and ensure the implementation and management of the provisions set forth in the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT).[1] Its primary role is to facilitate cooperation and address issues concerning the use and allocation of the Indus River system between the two countries.
Indus Waters Treaty
editAfter prolonged talks between the governments of India and Pakistan, the IWT was signed in September 1960 with World Bank standing guarantee for any dispute resolution. Broadly, according to this treaty, waters of the three western rivers (the Jhelum, the Chenab, and the Indus itself) were allocated to Pakistan, and those of the three eastern rivers (the Ravi, the Beas, and the Sutlej) were allocated to India. All these six rivers together called as Indus System of Rivers (ISR). PIC is the channel of correspondence between the two countries for the purpose of IWT and first step for conflict resolution. If an agreement cannot be reached at the PIC level, the dispute can be referred to a Neutral Expert for the differences already identified in the treaty or referred to the two governments for approaching the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA). If the governments too fail to reach an agreement, the Treaty provides an arbitration mechanism. Presently, the role of the World Bank is limited as provided in Annexues F & G.[2]
The Court of Arbitration has the authority to give a stay order, while the Neutral Expert does not have such powers.[3]
Commissioner of Pakistan has its web page and some related documents are uploaded to disseminate information to the interested readers.[4][5] Whereas Commissioner of India does not maintain a web site. However both Commissioners do not make the annual reports accessible online to public to keep the public depend on concocted / vested news.
Treaty implementation
editSince the ratification of the treaty in 1960, India and Pakistan have not engaged in any water wars. Most differences and disputes have been settled via legal procedures, provided for within the framework of the treaty. The treaty is considered to be one of the most successful water sharing endeavors in the world despite two wars and many war like situations between the two countries.
Salal dam was constructed after entering mutual agreement by both countries.[6] Tulbul Project is pending for clearance for decades even after protracted discussions between India and Pakistan.[7] Neutral Expert's ruling was followed for clearing the Baglihar power plant and PCA verdict was followed for clearing the Kishanganga Hydroelectric Plant.[8][9][10] Pakistan is claiming violation of the treaty regarding 850 MW Ratle Hydroelectric Plant.[3][11] India has not yet raised any violation of IWT by Pakistan.
Meetings117 annual meeting 2022,in Islamabad
editIt was 116th annual meeting[12][13] on March 23–24, 2021, in New Delhi, of the Permanent Indus Commission (PIC), composed of Indus Commissioners of India and Pakistan.
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "Full text of 'Indus Water Treaty' with Annexures, World Bank" (PDF). 1960. Retrieved 30 October 2014.
- ^ "See last page of Indus water treaty" (PDF). World Bank. Retrieved 28 July 2019.
- ^ a b "WB steps in to mediate Indo-Pak water dispute". 18 October 2022. Retrieved 24 October 2022.
- ^ "Web site of 'Pakistan Commissioner for Indus Waters'". Retrieved 28 July 2019.
- ^ "Pakistan Commissioner for Indus Waters (Documents)". Retrieved 28 July 2019.
- ^ "Agreement for the Salal project between India and Pakistan dated 14 April 1978" (PDF). Retrieved 13 June 2018.
- ^ "Wullar Barrage: An Unresolved 'Question'". 27 June 2010. Retrieved 29 August 2018.
- ^ "Baglihar Hydroelectric Plant: Expert Determination" (PDF). Retrieved 15 April 2018.
- ^ "The Baglihar difference and its resolution process - a triumph for the Indus Waters Treaty?" (PDF). 2008. Retrieved 22 September 2017.
- ^ "Verdict of Permanent Court of Arbitration on Kishanganga Hydroelectric Plant". February 2013. Retrieved 22 September 2017.
- ^ "Pak 'diplomatic sabotage' busted: India to go ahead with Ratle hydroelectric project, govt to send team to J&K". Retrieved 21 January 2019.
- ^ "India-Pak hold meeting of Permanent Indus Commission on day 2 | News - Times of India Videos". The Times of India. Retrieved 31 March 2021.
- ^ "'Dams in J&K compliant with treaty'". The Hindu. 25 March 2021. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 31 March 2021.