 |
| Image Credit: Google |
Despite a recommitment to observe a
ceasefire in accordance with a 2003 understanding, formal dialogue between
Pakistan and India has been suspended for some time, and long-standing
disagreements and disputes have persisted. Recently, Pakistan denounced India's
decision to hold a G20 tourism working group meeting in occupied Kashmir and
called for Muslim countries and China not to attend meetings in the disputed
region. Additionally, India has notified Pakistan of its intention to modify
the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960, which governs the sharing and management of
trans-border rivers. India seeks to bar third-party intervention in disputes by
the proposed treaty modification, which has raised concerns in Pakistan.
Formal dialogue and the peace process between the two countries were suspended by
India long before the 2019 Kashmir action. However, both countries agreed to
observe a ceasefire on the Line of Control, and the ceasefire has mostly held.
But the diplomatic deadlock continues, with strongly worded statements
exchanged with regularity. The more consequential development for
Pakistan-India relations in recent months has been over the Indus Waters Treaty
of 1960. This has raised questions over the fate of the treaty that governs the
sharing and management of trans-border rivers.
Pakistan has long disputed the construction of the Kishanganga hydroelectric project on
the Jhelum river and the proposed Ratle Hydroelectric Project on the Chenab
river in occupied Jammu and Kashmir. This has figured for decades in bilateral
talks and meetings of the Permanent Indus Commission. India served notice on
Islamabad that it would unilaterally amend the treaty two days before the first
court hearing at the Hague, which India boycotted, citing Pakistans intransigence
in handling disputes.` Pakistan rejected India's call for negotiations on
amending the treaty's dispute mechanism and accused Delhi of trying to divert
attention from arbitration proceedings at the Hague.
Finally, tensions have even affected sports. The Asia Cup is scheduled to be hosted by
Pakistan in September, but Indian Cricket Board's Jay Shah unilaterally
announced a schedule for the tournament without consulting the host country.
When Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Najam Sethi protested, Shah conveyed
India's refusal to play in Pakistan. Sethi offered a hybrid option with matches
involving India played in a neutral venue and the rest in Pakistan.
(Courtesy: Dawn.pk)
0 Comments