Indus Water Treaty is in interest of New Delhi, Islamabad: Pak Minister

Islamabad [Pakistan], Mar. 20 (ANI): Asserting that Indus Water Treaty is in interest of both New Delhi and Islamabad, Pakistan's Water and Power Minister Khawaja Asif urged both the countries to respect it. "To respect this agreement [the Indus Waters Treaty] and find a solution through it is in the interest of both countries," the Dawn quoted Asif as saying at a press conference on Monday. He said the talks would focus on three power projects with varying capacities of power generation: Pakul Dal (1,000MW), Miyar (120MW) and Lower Kalnai (48MW). "We are working to make changes to the design of the project that are in Pakistan's interest and which are in accordance with the treaty," he said. The remarks come as Indus Water Commission talks are being held between India and Pakistan in Islamabad. Disputed projects such as Miyar, Lower Kalnai, and Pakal Dul will be on the agenda of the 113th Indo-Pak Indus Water Commission conference. Indian Indus Water Commissioner P.K. Saxena is leading the 10-member Indian delegation in two-day meeting between Pakistani officials. Pakistan's Indus Water Commissioner Mirza Asif Beg is leading the Pakistani delegation. The two countries held the Indus Water Commission last time in May, 2015 in New Delhi. (ANI)