ISLAMABAD, Sept 15: Minster for Water and Power Liaquat Ali Jatoi said on Thursday that the design of Baglihar dam, being constructed by India on River Chenab in held Kashmir, violated the Indus Water Treaty and the government was vigorously pursuing the matter with India for early resolution of the issue.

Answering a question by Chaudhry Mohammad Anwar Bhinder, the minister told Senate that two rounds of secretary- level talks had been held in June 2004 and January 2005 in that connection.

He further said that Pakistan had sent a reference to the World Bank which had nominated a neutral expert under the provisions of the treaty.

Mr Jatoi said that India could withhold waters of River Chenab during lean months.

Answering another question by Senator Mohammad Akram, the minister said that due to sedimentation, water storage capacity of Tarbela and Mangla dams had decreased and the country had suffered 579 million kilowatt hours (Kwh) electricity generation loss from Tarbela and 138 million Kwh loss from Mangla. —APP