Indian hostility likely to ditch Diamer-Bhasha Dam project

[Lahore_Real_Estate]

Indian hostility likely to ditch Diamer-Bhasha Dam project
Islamabad—The strategic dialogue between Pakistan and US on water is expected to be held by middle of the next month, a senior official of Ministry of Water and Power’ told Pakistan Observer.

“So far the date is not finalized. However, both the sides are expected to hold strategic parleys on water issues by middle of November.”

The US has already extended financial assistance of $ 20 million for Satpara dam and $40 for Kurram Tangi Dam, but in the forthcoming dialogue, Pakistan will ask for formal announcement of its assistance for building the Diamer-Bhahsa dam as if Islamabad managed to get the formal announcement by US, then it would be more easier to get loan from the World Bank which has already refused to give any credit line for the said project of paramount importance on the ground that the project is being built on the controversial area and India has raised objection to the project.

The Washington had earlier indicated to Pakistan that it would be ready to fund the Diamer-Bhasha Dam and to this effect it would give Pakistan $ 1 billion in five years time. However, during the Pak-US dialogue on energy sector held in Islamabad on 14-15 September, US had linked the release of funds for the said dam with approval of US Congress.

However, in the forthcoming talks on water, Pakistan will exert more pressure on officials from Washington to come up with clear stand as there are reports that Indian lobby in Washington is vigorously working against the funding for Diamer-Bhasha Dam forcing the Obama administration to link its funding with No Objection Certificate (NoC) from New Dehli.

If it comes true, then it would be really an unfortunate development for Pakistan. “This would be tantamount to enforcing the hegemony of India in the region and US is playing pivotal role in this regard.”

It is ironic that India deems AJK as disputed area but it had provided funds for the Mangla Dam built in AJK. “So the objection by India against the financial lending by donor agencies for Diamer-Bhasha dam carries no weight,” the official argued.