Resolutions against dams, US troops

Published February 18, 2005

LAHORE, Feb 17: The Lahore High Court Bar Association on Thursday adopted two resolutions, which expressed concern over building of Indian dams on Kashmir rivers and reports of facilitating the US and UK troops for commando action in Iran by Pakistan.

The resolution on Indian dams, moved by Barrister Zafarullah Khan, condemned the construction of Baglihar dam on Chenab, Wuller Barrage on Jhelum and Kishanganga dam on Neelam. It said New Delhi was flouting the Indus Water Treaty of 1960 with impunity because Islamabad hardly posed opposition to the projects.

As for the troops' training, the resolution was moved by Advocate Sheikh Mushtaq Ali who quoted certain USA newspapers as levelling the allegation that the training imparted in Karachi was meant to target Iran and the government provided all facilities for the purpose.

The two resolutions were passed unanimously by the LHCBA general house with president Ahmad Awais in the chair. It was decided that their copies would be sent to members of parliament and other bar councils and associations to adopt similar resolutions and pressure the government to offer an explanation on "these vital issues."

Mr Awais said the Indian government prepared the Baglihar dam project in 1992, but started work after the military take-over in Oct 1999 because New Delhi knew that the execution of the project would be difficult during a democratic government in Pakistan.

Justice Fakharunnisa (retired) and LHCBA vice-president Syed Zulfiqar Ali Bokhari also spoke. The resolution on dams said India wanted to turn Pakistan into a desert by stopping the supply of waters from the rivers, which were given to the latter under the Indus Water Treaty. It also demanded construction of the Kalabagh dam, Bhasha dam and another multipurpose dam on Neelam river.

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