117th meeting of Indus Water Commission held in Pakistan

Tags: International News

The 117th Meeting of the Permanent Indus Commission (PIC) comprising of Indus Commissioners of India and Pakistan was held from March 1-3, 2022 in Islamabad, Pakistan.

• The Indian delegation was led by Shri PK Saxena, the Indian Commissioner for Indus Waters. 

• Under the provisions of the Indus Waters Treaty (Treaty), signed between India and Pakistan in 1960, the two Commissioners are required to meet at least once every year, alternately in India and Pakistan.

•  The last meeting of the Permanent Indus Commission (PIC) was held from March 23-24, 2021 in New Delhi.

• During the meeting, technical discussions were held regarding on-going projects including Pakal Dul, Kiru and Lower Kalnai.

• Both sides discussed the issue of the Fazilka drain, and Pakistan assured that all necessary actions will continue to be taken to ensure the free flow of Fazilka drain into the river Sutlej.

Indus Water Treaty 1960 

• It was signed between India and Pakistan in 1960. It divided Indus and its tributaries between India and Pakistan.

• Pakistan was given the right to use the waters of Indus, Chenab and Jhelum while India was to use Sutlej, Beas and Ravi rivers for irrigation, power projects etc..

• The Indus Water Treaty was mediated by the World Bank.