ISLAMABAD:Pakistan and India have reiterated their commitment to implement the Indus Waters Treaty in its true spirit.

The resolve was expressed during the two-day meeting of Pakistan-India Permanent Indus Commission that concluded in New Delhi on Tuesday to discuss issues pertaining to sharing of water resources under the Indus Water Treaty.

This was 118th meeting held annually under the relevant provisions of the Indus Waters Treaty 1960. The Pakistani delegation was led by Pakistan Commissioner for Indus Waters, Syed Muhammad Mehar Ali Shah while the Indian delegation was headed by the Indian Commissioner for Indus Waters A K Pal.

A wide range of water-related issues between the two countries were discussed including the advance sharing of flood information. The Indian side was urged to communicate advance flood-flow information as per the provisions of the Treaty and the practice in vogue since 1989 until 2018.

Pakistan highlighted its objections on India’s hydroelectric projects on the Western rivers including Pakal Dul. The Indian side assured to arrange tours and inspections after the coming flood season. The two sides expressed the hope that the next meeting of the Commission would be held at an early date in Pakistan.