Islamabad HC seeks report on dams being built by India on border rivers

While hearing a petition concerning the construction of 62 dams by India on rivers bordering Pakistan, the Islamabad High Court is learnt to have directed the Cabinet Division Secretary to submit a report, saying the construction of dams could interrupt the water flow in Pakistan.

Islamabad, Apr 5 : While hearing a petition concerning the construction of 62 dams by India on rivers bordering Pakistan, the Islamabad High Court is learnt to have directed the Cabinet Division Secretary to submit a report, saying the construction of dams could "interrupt the water flow in Pakistan".

The petition, filed by Advocate Kowkab Iqbal, raised concerns over the construction of the Baglihar and Kishan Ganga dams, and 62 other dams proposed by the Indian government.

Iqbal said that about 80 percent of the water in the Jehlum and Chenab rivers, was used by India, creating a water shortage in Pakistan.

"It is a blatant violation of the Indus Basin Treaty. Under Article 9 of the Constitution, a citizen has been vested with the right to raise his or her voice over the issues that cause direct impacts upon his or her interests," the Daily Times quoted Iqbal as saying.

The IHC chief justice directed the government and the ministry concerned to register their concerns.

ANI