President calls for peaceful end to water row with India

ISLAMABAD—President Asif Ali Zardari has said construction of Baghilar dam and blockage of river Chenab water by India has given rise to new problems for Pakistan hoping India will address these issues like a good neighboring country.
“Obstructing over 2 lakh cusecs river Chenab water and construction of Baghilar dam by India despite objections by Pakistan have led to create problems for us. These moves are sheer violation of Indus water treaty and they are causing unprecedented harm to Kharif crops and are adding to the hardships of our farming community. We look for full cooperation from India on this count. Such steps have delivered serious blow to CBMs and ongoing peace talks”, he said this during his meeting with India high commissioner in Pakistan who called on the president in Aiwan-e-Sadr Monday.
President Zardari hoped India like a good neighborly country would understand the problems of Pakistan and release Chenab water flow to us. Pakistan wanted robust relations with India in all the fields including trade and culture, he said adding it was need of hour both the countries should live like good friends and neighbors and should not create problems for each other.
In the prevailing regional situation it is essential that both the countries step up their efforts to curb menace of terrorism, as terrorism and extremism are harmful to the two countries, he cautioned. Pakistan was opposed to terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and it will continue to launch efforts for eradication of terrorism, he added. Terrorism was not the problem of only Pakistan but it was the problem of the entire world. Pakistan and India will have to employ joint efforts to give crushing defeat to terrorists, he stressed.
Involving Pakistan in Kabul blasts was regrettable, he said adding blame game and malicious propaganda blitz cause harm to bilateral relations between Pakistan and India. Both the countries should avoid blame game, he urged. Initiation of truck service across the LoC will help address the economic problems of people of Kashmir and provide them opportunity to meet each other, he hoped. President Asif Ali Zardari called for resolution of all issues including Kashmir, Baghilar dam, Sir Creek and Siachen with the spirit of reconciliation and full understanding.
Indus Water Commissioner (IWC) Jamaat Ali Shah said on Monday that Pakistan wanted early solution of Chenab water issue with India. Talking to PTV he said, “Pakistan has conveyed its concerns over the water shortage and told India that Pakistan wants to resolve the issue of Chenab water as early as possible.”
He said during a recent meeting held in New Delhi, Pakistan has conveyed its point of view on water reduction at Head Marala and loss of 0.2 million acre feet of water. The commissioner said under Indus water treaty India cannot stop flow of water on Chenab river. Pakistan wants implementation of the treaty in its letter and spirit.

—Online