The third meeting on proceedings related to the Ratle and Kishenganga hydroelectric plants discussed the competence of the neutral expert.
The meeting was part of the Vienna proceedings involving Pakistan and India — initiated by the latter.
As per the press release issued by the Permanent Court of Arbitration, Michel Lino, a neutral expert appointed under the Indus Waters Treaty 1960, held the third meeting after written submissions were made by teams of the neighbouring countries on the matter earlier in 2024.
“The third meeting concerned the competence of the neutral expert under paragraph 7 of annexure F to the Treaty,” the press release said. Each party made opening and rebuttal submissions on this occasion.
It said the neutral expert would proceed accordingly to prepare his decision on competence under paragraph 7 of annexure F of Indus Waters Treaty.
Pakistan’s submissions were made by its designated representative Ahmad Irfan Aslam, counsel Sir Daniel Bethlehem KC, Professor Philippa Webb and Dr Cameron Miles. India’s submissions were made by its designated representative and secretary, Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, Ms Debashree Mukherjee, and its counsel, Harish Salve KC.
