IWT beneficial for region, J

Srinagar, Jul 30 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir Governor N N Vohra today called for further strengthening of the Indus Water Treaty, making it even more beneficial for people of India and Pakistan.

In an hour long interaction with a three-member Pakistan delegation, led by Syed Jamat Ali Shah, Commissioner of Indus Water, Pakistan, here today, the Governor said that while the people of Kashmir should gain maximum benefit of water harnessing, the people of Pakistan would need to be assured that their interests were not jeopradised.

He said that the optimum harnessing of the hydel potential of Jammu and Kashmir for generating power would lead to the prosperity of the common masses and usher in the overall development of the region.

The Governor expressed happiness over the change of perspectives among the people of India and Pakistan in the past few years and said the level of confidence needs to be further strengthened and sustained for the success of various initiatives aimed at heralding lasting peace and better understanding in the region.

He stressed the need for building an environment in which the people of the two countries would prosper and progress.

Mr Vohra called for an agreed approach to tackle serious problems which are faced by both countries and information sharing on various issues of mutual concern like depleting water resources in the wake of melting glaciers due to global warming and water pollution.

The Pakistani delegation included Bashir Ahmed Qureshi, Vice President of National Engineering Services of Pakistan and Mr Usman-e-Ghani, Joint Commissioner of Indus Water.

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