No external pressure to be entertained on India water treaty: Asif

islamabad — Minister for Defence, Water and Power Khawaja Mohammed Asif on Tuesday said Pakistan would not accept any external pressure on the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) reached with India in 1960 for distribution of water between the two countries.

“Each and every clause of the IWT should be followed by both the signatories in its letter and spirit,” he said while talking to the media after addressing a national seminar.

The seminar titled “Hydro Politics around Pakistan: Reassessing the Efficacy of IWT,” was organised by the Institute of Strategic Studies, Research and Analysis (ISSRA) here at the National Defence University (NDU).

Commenting on India’s latest move to build Ratle Dam on the River Chenab after Baglaihar and Kishanganga projects, the minister said Pakistan did an extensive exercise in one and half years over the issue.

“Pakistan’s case is stronger than that of India and we would safeguard our national interest at every cost,” he asserted.

Answering a question, the minister underlined the need for conserving water, electricity and gas, highlighting the importance of developing habit of conservation at every level.

In the existing system, he said, Pakistan had sufficient water resources to meet its requirements but “we will have to end the culture of wastage.”

Replying to another question, Asif said around 6,500MW electricity would be added to the national grid from April to December this year. — APP