Monday, February 7 2005 13:38 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Islamabad: President Pervez Musharraf is likely to discuss Pakistan's reference to the World Bank for arbitration on the Baglihar hydro power project issue with India during the visit of the Bank's outgoing President James D Wolfensohn which began yesterday (Feb 06, 2005).

Wolfensohn, who is retiring shortly is visiting Pakistan to make a farewell call. He plans to meet Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz in Islamabad today (Feb 07,2005) during which Pakistan's reference for appointment of neutral expert on Baglihar issue was expected to come up for discussion.

The reference was filed under the Indus Waters Treaty concluded by India and Pakistan on September 19, 1960, brokered by the World Bank. Pakistan says Baglihar project is a violation of the Treaty. India has already said Pakistan's objections were more political than technical.

After receiving Pakistan's reference on Jan 18, the Bank has clarified that the World Bank "is a signatory to the Treaty for certain specified purposes. It is not a guarantor of the Treaty. Many of the purposes for which the World Bank signed the Treaty have been completed."

Wolfensohn was expected to discuss the Bank's stand on the case.