New Delhi: Afghanistan has announced plans to limit the flow of water into Pakistan by constructing dams on the Kunar River, following a move inspired by India’s recent decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty. The directive came from Taliban Supreme Leader Mawlawi Hibatullah Akhundzada and was shared by acting Water Minister Mullah Abdul Latif Mansoor, who emphasized that Afghan companies would lead the construction and that managing the country’s water resources is a sovereign right.
The decision comes amid rising tensions along the 2,600-kilometre Durand Line border, after Pakistan accused Afghanistan of supporting the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan. Observers note that Afghanistan’s water strategy mirrors India’s response to a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam in April, when New Delhi temporarily halted the flow of Indus waters into Pakistan.
The Kunar River originates in Pakistan’s Chitral district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and flows south into Afghanistan, passing through Kunar and Nangarhar provinces before merging with the Kabul River. The combined rivers, augmented by the Pech River, re-enter Pakistan and join the Indus near Attock in Punjab. These waters are critical for irrigation, drinking water, and hydroelectric power, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a region already affected by cross-border tensions.
Experts warn that new dams on the Kunar and Kabul rivers could significantly reduce Pakistan’s water supply, potentially worsening agricultural and domestic shortages. Unlike the Indus Waters Treaty between India and Pakistan, there are no formal agreements governing Afghan-Pakistani river flows, leaving Islamabad with limited options to challenge Kabul’s plans. This has sparked concerns over a further escalation of regional tensions.
Since returning to power in 2021, the Taliban have prioritized control over the country’s waterways, building dams and canals to secure food and energy resources. Projects such as the Qosh Tepa canal in northern Afghanistan aim to irrigate large areas of arid land, although experts warn they could divert significant water from neighboring countries.
During a recent visit to India, Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi highlighted collaboration on hydroelectric and irrigation projects, underscoring Afghanistan’s focus on sustainable water management to support its agriculture and energy needs.
