According to authorities, a mission from pakistan arrived in Jammu on sunday night as part of the Neutral Expert processes to examine two hydroelectric power projects in kashmir - SRINAGAR/JAMMU' target='_blank' title='jammu and kashmir-Latest Updates, Photos, Videos are a click away, CLICK NOW">jammu and kashmir that are covered under the Indus Water Treaty. Under the 1960 Treaty's dispute settlement system, this is the first time a delegation from pakistan has visited kashmir - SRINAGAR/JAMMU' target='_blank' title='jammu and kashmir-Latest Updates, Photos, Videos are a click away, CLICK NOW">jammu and kashmir in more than five years.
Following nine years of discussions, india and pakistan signed the Indus Water Treaty (IWT), which includes the World bank as a signatory. The treaty outlines a structure for collaboration and information sharing between the two parties over the usage of waters of many cross-data-border rivers.
The Pakal Dul and Lower Kalnai hydroelectric power projects were examined by a three-person Pakistani team in january 2019 as part of the IWT's last inspections before diplomatic relations between the two nations froze after Jammu and Kashmir's special status was revoked.
According to the officials, during their visitation in the Union Territory, the visiting experts—including Pakistanis—will examine the Kishenganga and Ratle hydroelectric power projects in the Chenab Valley.
When pakistan first objected to the design elements of the two hydroelectric power projects, it requested a resolution through a "Neutral Expert" from the World bank in 2016.
Pakistan then retracted this request and requested arbitration as a means of resolution. india, on the other side, argued that only "Neutral Expert" processes should be used to settle the dispute.
In october 2022, following fruitless discussions, the World bank named the head of the court of Arbitration as well as a Neutral Expert. india cautioned that "such parallel consideration of the same issues is not covered under any provision of the IWT" in a notification proposing changes to the Treaty.
"Competent to consider and determine the disputes set forth by Pakistan's request for arbitration," the court of Arbitration said in July 2023.
In march of this year, pakistan submitted its first Memorial under this procedure, stating its legal case along with supporting documentation.
A week later, in order to "acquaint the court with general aspects of the design and operation of run-of-river hydro-electric plants along the Indus system of rivers," the court travelled to the Neelum-Jhelum Hydro-Electric Plant in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir.
India sent a Memorial to the Neutral Expert in august 2023 while declining to participate in the court of Arbitration.
Pakistan participated in the second meeting of the parties, which Neutral Expert arranged in september of last year in Vienna. The topics of discussion revolved around the site visit's organisation.