War is the only option to resolve differences with India on the Baglihar hydro-power project in Jammu and Kashmir [Images], a senior Pakistan minister said.

The comment came even as Islamabad approached the World Bank for settling the contentious issue.

Education Minister Ashraf Qazi said Pakistan should not rely on the World Bank to resolve the Baglihar project issue.

"What is the option?" the former ISI chief asked the opposition and without waiting for their reply, said, "War is the only option," Pakistan's daily The News quoted him as saying.

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India's External Affairs Minister K Natwar Singh is now on a three-day visit to Pakistan during which he will hold talks with top leaders.

The Pakistan government has sought the World Bank's arbitration to resolve differences with India on the 450 MW hydro-power project, being built on the river Chenab at Baglihar in Jammu and Kashmir.

Qazi claimed India had already constructed a few dams in violation of the Indus Waters Treaty under which Pakistan filed its reference to the World Bank.

He said India was also going ahead with Kishanganga hydro-electric project in violation of the treaty.

Senior leader of the Muthahida Majlis Amal and Senator Khurshid Ahmed also criticised the government for approaching the World Bank after India had already completed 85 per cent of the project.