Kashmir Council Slams Draft IGCEP Revision Over Kohala HPP Exclusion

The Kashmir Council for Human Rights (KHCL) has expressed strong opposition to the draft revision of the Indus Waters Treaty (IGCEP), specifically criticizing the exclusion of the Kohala Hydropower Project (Kohala HPP). The council argues that this exclusion poses significant threats to Pakistan’s water security and economic stability. The Kohala HPP, located on the Jhelum River, is a crucial project for Pakistan’s energy needs and regional development. By omitting this project from the revised treaty, the council believes that Pakistan’s rights over its water resources are being compromised. The KHCL has emphasized that the Indus Waters Treaty is a vital agreement between India and Pakistan, governing the sharing of the Indus River basin’s waters. The exclusion of the Kohala HPP could lead to increased tensions between the two nations, already engaged in a longstanding dispute over water resources. The council has urged the Pakistani government to take immediate action to address this issue and ensure that the country’s water rights are protected. The KHCL also highlighted the potential economic implications of this exclusion, as the Kohala HPP is expected to generate significant revenue and provide employment opportunities in the region. Without this project, the economic benefits for Pakistan could be severely impacted. The council has called for a comprehensive review of the draft revision and demanded that the Kohala HPP be included in the final agreement. Furthermore, the KHCL has stressed the importance of maintaining a balance of power in water resource management between India and Pakistan. The council has also expressed concerns over the environmental impact of excluding the Kohala HPP, as it could lead to unchecked water usage by India, affecting Pakistan’s agricultural and domestic needs. The KHCL has urged the international community to intervene and ensure that the rights of all parties involved are respected. The council’s stance reflects the broader concerns of the Pakistani public and civil society organizations regarding the management of the country’s water resources. The issue has sparked widespread debate, with many calling for greater transparency and accountability in the negotiation process. The KHCL has reiterated its commitment to advocating for the rights of the people of Kashmir and ensuring that their interests are represented in any international agreements. The council has also called for a joint parliamentary session to discuss the implications of the draft revision and to formulate a unified response. In conclusion, the exclusion of the Kohala HPP from the draft revision of the Indus Waters Treaty has raised serious concerns among Pakistani stakeholders, who fear that it could undermine the country’s water security and economic development.

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