ISLAMABAD, Jan 20: Pakistani and Indian Commissioners for Indus Waters will meet at the end of this month to address Pakistan’s concerns regarding the controversial Baglihar hydro- electric plant being constructed by India on Chenab Main, well- placed diplomatic sources told Dawn on Monday.

“Talks between the two Water Commissioners are scheduled for Jan 30 in Islamabad,” said a senior official privy to the special meeting of the Permanent Commission on Indus Waters. The official said the meeting could last up to three days.

Pakistan’s Commissioner for Indus Water, Syed Jamait Ali Shah sought the special meeting of the Permanent Commission in November last. He had informed his Indian counterpart through a written communication that his failure to respond would compel the Government of Pakistan to consider the third-party option.

Article IX of the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) provides the option of resolving any dispute or differences between the two parties through neutral observers or arbitration in case there is a deadlock.

Pakistan’s main concern regarding the Baglihar hydro plant is the facility of gated spillways provided for in its current design. Pakistan believes that the provision of gated spillways will enable India to control the flow of water to Pakistan’s disadvantage.