ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has objected to the design of the Salal hydro-electric project, being constructed by India on the Chenab river near Dyangarh in Occupied Kashmir, on the grounds that it does not conform to the criteria laid down in the Indus Waters Treaty for the design of such hydro-electric projects, it was officially stated here today [Oct 3]. The Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 between India and Pakistan provides for certain safeguards for Pakistan by stipulating the design criteria which must be followed in the construction of hydro-electric projects on the western rivers (Chenab, Jhelum and Indus) in India and Occupied Kashmir. The purpose of these safeguards is to ensure that Pakistan’s irrigation from these rivers is not affected adversely. — News agencies

[Meanwhile, as reported by news agencies from Washington,] Saudi Arabian Oil Minister Ahmad Zaki Yamani said … “if we can solve the Israeli problem, the price of oil can come down”. Talking to reporters, Dr Yamani said war could break out again in the Middle East within six months unless Israel withdraws from occupied Arab land. “All the ingredients of another war are here unless we have further Israeli withdrawal.”

Published in Dawn, October 4th, 2024