Pakistan on brink of mass starvation: LCCI

LAHORE - Pakistan Water Front, working under the aegis of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Friday gave a detailed presentation to the officials of US Consulate and sought their intervention over the Indian nefarious designs to utilize water as weapon.
The presentation was given by former LCCI Vice President Shahzad Ali Malik. LCCI Vice President Faisal Iqbal Sheikh, Executive Committee Members and a number of former LCCI presidents includind Iftikhar Ali Malik also attended the presentation. Economic and Political Advisor of the US Consulate Richard C. Jao, Mark Palermo and Shahid Abbas of US Consulate represented the US Embassy.
Through the presentation, the LCCI made the point that Pakistan is on the brink of mass starvation as the process to turn it into a desert had begun because of a drastic cut in water availability from 5,000 cubic meters per capita in 1950s to 1000 cubic meter in 2010.
Without water 20 million acres of otherwise fertile land would dry up in a week and tens of millions of people would starve. No army, with bombs and shellfire could devastate as thoroughly as Pakistan could be devastated by India by cutting off river flows.
The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry demanded of the United States to ensure implementation of Indus Water Treaty (IWT) in letter and spirit, sharing of complete information regarding water flows as per the article VI of IWT, Installation of telemetry system on rivers by international agencies. Compensation of 0.2 MAF water of Baghliar. Protection of water shed in the upper reaches (J&K) of western rivers. Time-bound resolution of differences and disputes. Technical & financial assistance for development of water resources particularly hydro electric projects.
According to the presentation Indians manipulation of river water goes back to 1948 as all the rivers on which Pakistan depends for life originate from India and Kashmir.
The presentation further says that between 1951-60- US took keen interest in water issues leading to Indus Water Treaty 1960. World Bank was the facilitator for the appointment of neutral experts and arbitration. Three eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas & Sutlej) were given to India and three western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) for Pakistan. Last minute changes in Indus Water Treaty permitted India another 1.343 million acres (2.85 MAF) irrigation from western rivers. Water for Pakistan was not quantified.
All water heads orginate in Kashmir-the jugular vein of Pakistan. Through annexation India managed to take control of Pakistans Lifeblood. India first used the water weapon in 1948 resulting an intervention by US President Truman.
Under the Indus Water Treaty 1960 India cannot stop or interfere with western rivers, whereas in case of Baghiliar Dam India did not meet IWT provisions of sharing information. India withheld 0.2 MAF in case of Baghliar.
India is building a huge storage capability (National river linking project) with a cost $ 120 billion to be completed in 2016 which may result in conflicts with neighbouring countries including China, Bangladesh, Bhutan etc. India is also blatantly violating commitment to ensure 50,000+cusecs in Chenab at Marala. The presentation further said that under-construction Kishanganga Dam is a severe threat to Neelum-Jehlum Hydel Project.