ISLAMABAD, June 10: Pakistan has formally warned India that it would refer to the “Neutral Expert” the violations of the Indus Waters Treaty 1960 for a verdict if its objections to diversion of Chenab River were not removed within three months.

This would be the first time in 42 years that any difference on water sharing between the two countries or violation by any party would be referred to or adjudicated by a legal forum.

The word of warning was conveyed by Pakistan’s commissioner for Indus waters (PCIW) to his Indian counterpart during the Permanent Indus Commission (PIC) meeting that concluded on June 1 in New Delhi.

The PCIW has submitted its report to the government of Pakistan. “Pakistani side offered India to resolve the difference about Baglihar Hydroelectric Project within three months, otherwise, Pakistan will be justified in referring the matter to the Neutral Expert for resolution under Article IX (2)(a) of the Treaty”, a brief official statement said here Monday.

The dispute over Kishanganga Hydroelectric Project on the Jhelum river will be further discussed in the next PIC meeting in Islamabad next year. “The commission finalized its report for the year ended March 31, 2002, and submitted to the two governments and also finalized the schedule of tours and meetings to be held during the current year up to March 31, 2003,” said the statement.

Pakistan has serious objections over the construction of 450- MW Baglihar power project on the Chenab and Kishanganga project on Jhelum by India. New Delhi had promised last year to facilitate the visit of Pakistani experts to the two sites but did not honour the commitment.

Islamabad believed a gate-structure being constructed by India on Chenab River would divert its waters to Pakistan’s disadvantage, senior officials said.