ABSTRACT ROLE OF CBMS IN RESOLVING
NON-MILITARY ISSUES BETWEEN INDIA AND PAKISTAN: CASE STUDY OF THE INDUS BASIN WATER TREATY SHAISTA TABASSUM* Confidence Building Measures are considered as important actors in resolving
various non-military issues in the world. These measures had played a vital role in Europe. Some disputes in the South Asian politics have also been amicably settled by the CBMs. One major example is that of the Indus
Basin Water Treaty concluded between Pakistan and India in 1960. The treaty distributed the Canal waters between India and Pakistan. That is why it is considered as a successful example of CBMs. The treaty is although smoothly working but two further disputes had erupted coming out from
the settlement made in 1960. India decided to construct the Salal Dam on river Chenab in 1970. On Pakistan's objection the two states agreed to sit on the table and negotiated on controversial areas. Finally an
agreement was reached in 1978 known as the Salal Dam agreement.
Another area of controversy is the Wullar Barrage or the Tulbal Navigation Project. The construction on the project began in 1985. On Pakistan's objection the many rounds of talks were held but could not resolve that
issue. Since then it continues to pose a serious challenge to the Indus Basin Water Treaty. This paper is divided into following parts:-
- Introduction
- Concept of CBMs
- The Problem
- Applicability of the concept
- The treaty
- Common interests in avoiding conflict
- Hurdles in CAMs
- Challenges to the treaty setup
- Conclusion
* Assistant Professor, Department of International Relations, University of Karachi. List of Abstracts Workshop Main Page |
