World Bank’s neutral expert to hold hearing on Pakistan-India hydropower dispute in The Hague
The World Bank’s neutral expert is set to convene a critical hearing regarding the ongoing dispute between Pakistan and India over the designs of the 330-MW Kishenganga and 850-MW Ratle hydropower projects. Scheduled for September 20 to September 21 in The Hague, this hearing represents a pivotal moment in the international arbitration process.
Pakistan’s delegation, which includes the country’s commissioner of Indus Waters, key officials from the Attorney General’s Office, and a team of international lawyers, will advocate for Pakistan’s position during the proceedings. This dispute revolves around the construction of these hydropower projects by India on rivers that flow through Pakistani territory.
Earlier in 2023, preliminary court proceedings took place to establish the rules of procedure for the legal battle over these projects. India has already built the Kishenganga project on the Jhelum River and is currently in the process of constructing the Ratle project on the Chenab River.
Pakistan has pursued resolution through two forums: the neutral expert appointed by the World Bank, as requested by India, and the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA), preferred by Islamabad. India initially hesitated to engage with the PCA due to concerns over the outcome but was compelled to attend the proceedings
