Pakistan-India water talks 'inconclusive'

LAHORE - The talks between India and Pakistan on the issue of Kishanganga Dam remained inconclusive on Sunday, as both sides failed to arrive at a consensus during the annual meeting of Indus Waters Commissioner held here at National Engineering Services Pakistan (Nespak) Pvt Ltd. "We discussed the legal and technical aspects of the Kishanganga Dam today. Initially both (India and Pakistan) are sticking to their stance. We will also discuss the issue tomorrow," G Aranga Nathan Indian Indus Water Treaty Commissioner flanked by Pakistani Commissioner Syed Jamaat Ali Shah told reporters after eight-hours long meeting. When asked about Pakistan's objections on the Kishanganga Dam and Indian response to this effect, Aranga said, "I don't have the permission to discuss the internal issues." Responding to another questioner, Aranga Nathan said that both India and Pakistan wanted to resolve all controversial matters related to water projects through the Indus Commission. Syed Jamaat Ali Shah said that Pakistan raised six questions about the Kishanganga Dam. "Today, we completed debate on four out of the six questions while the remaining two will be discussed in detail on Monday, but there is no consensus on any point," Shah said while replying to another query. About the meeting he said, "There were objections, questions and counter-questions during the technical discussion". Responding to the question of deadlock in talks, Syed Jamaat Ali Shah said that if the talks remained inconclusive on Monday (third-day) Pakistan would urge India to give an exact timeframe to work out the issues instead of the debates. He further said the talks are underway and have not been concluded so far. "Yet we are hopeful," he added. According to him, Pakistan raised four objections regarding the Kishanganga Dam, which were discussed in detail during the meeting. He said that the issue of Ori-II would also be discussed on Monday (today). "The diversion plan, storage capacity, power intact and free board on the Kishanganga Dam were discussed during the meeting. However, the matters related to its gate structure, height and size level will be discussed tomorrow," he maintained. It may be mentioned here that eleven- member Indian delegation of Permanent Indus Commission (PIC) arrived in the City on Friday to discuss the controversial water projects and take up routine agenda. The PIC is the only permanent body that exists between Pakistan and India since 1960 Waters Treaty was signed by the two countries with the World Bank, playing role of a facilitator. 

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