Pakistan to voice concerns with World Bank over India's Kishanganga Dam

Pakistan will raise its concern with the World Bank today over the inauguration of the Kishanganga hydropower project by India.

Pakistan argues that construction of the dam violates the 1960 Indus Water Treaty between Pakistan and India, the state media said.

A high-level Pakistan delegation is in Washington for talks with World Bank officials on the issue.

During the three day talks, key points including the height of the dam, its capacity for water storage and Pakistan's demand for setting up a court of arbitration to settle the dispute will be discussed.

Earlier, Pakistan's Ambassador to the United States Aizaz Ahmed Chaudhry while talking to newsmen in Washington, said a four-member delegation, led by Attorney General Ashtar Ausaf Ali will hold talks with the World Bank officials on the issue in Washington.

Pakistan has termed inauguration of the project by India without resolution of the dispute over it as a serious violation of the Indus Waters Treaty brokered by the World Bank in 1960.

Aizaz Chaudhry said the World Bank is a guarantor of the international agreement, therefore, it must intervene in the matter and fulfill its obligation.

He said the dam has been constructed on waters flowing into Pakistan that would seriously disrupt supplies vital for the country's agriculture.

India plans to undertake several such projects in the disputed territory.