Afghanistan’s Kunar River Dam Sparks Water War, Taliban Moves to Cut Pakistan’s Lifeline Supply

International News: Afghanistan has declared its plan to build new dams on the Kunar River, a vital source flowing into Pakistan. The move echoes India’s earlier attempts to curb Pakistan’s water dependency. Taliban officials confirmed that supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada has ordered immediate construction without delay. The water and energy ministry has been told not to wait for foreign companies but to start contracts with local firms. This step is seen as Afghanistan’s assertion of sovereignty over its natural resources. It also signals worsening ties with Islamabad.

Strategic Timing of Announcement

The timing of the Taliban’s announcement has raised eyebrows, coming when Pakistan is already under pressure after India tightened its Indus water strategy. Now with Afghanistan stepping in, Pakistan faces a double blow. Officials in Kabul said Afghans have every right to control their rivers. For Islamabad, this means a fresh headache, as the Kunar’s waters are crucial for farming and electricity in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Analysts warn the issue could escalate into a bigger regional dispute involving multiple players.

China’s Complicated Role

Reports suggest Chinese firms have shown interest in investing in three large Kunar River dams capable of producing 2,000 megawatts of power. While China is a traditional ally of Pakistan, its potential role in Afghanistan makes the situation extremely complex. If Beijing participates, Pakistan will find it difficult to openly object. For Kabul, China’s entry offers much-needed funding and international legitimacy. But for Islamabad, it raises fears of being cornered by both friends and rivals in the same arena.

Water Conflict Escalates Between Neighbors

This is not the first clash over water between the two neighbors. Pakistan has previously objected to Afghanistan’s Kabul River dam projects, especially the Shahtoot Dam built with Indian assistance. In 2021, India extended technical support to the project, sparking outrage in Islamabad. Taliban forces have already carried out deadly attacks against Pakistan in recent months, killing dozens of soldiers. Experts believe water could now become a new weapon in the hostile relationship, worsening instability across the region.

Impact on Pakistan’s Resources

The Kunar River runs nearly 300 miles, crossing between Afghanistan and Pakistan before merging with the Kabul River. Pakistan uses its waters for irrigation, agriculture, and power production. A major cut in flow could paralyze farming in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and reduce hydroelectric output. For a country already facing economic crisis, food insecurity, and energy shortages, this could be devastating. Officials fear that even limited disruption would severely impact millions of lives dependent on the river system.

Afghanistan’s Wider Water Plans

Taliban leaders are not limiting themselves to Kunar alone. They are also working on projects like the Pashdan Dam in Herat and the Kosht Tep canal on the Amu Darya. These projects are part of a broader plan to boost agriculture and energy independence. For Afghanistan, water is becoming a symbol of national pride and resistance against foreign influence. But for Pakistan, these projects represent a direct threat to survival. With no water-sharing treaty between the two nations, disputes are bound to intensify.

Regional Risks and Future Outlook

Experts warn the issue could destabilize the wider region. With Afghanistan asserting control over rivers, India quietly supporting projects, and China’s potential involvement, Pakistan feels isolated. Water scarcity is already driving internal unrest in Pakistan, and new Afghan projects could worsen the crisis. Unless diplomacy is revived, South Asia may see water disputes fueling future conflicts. What began as a development project could soon become a flashpoint between neighbors, turning rivers into battlegrounds in a deeply fragile region.