Afghanistan is moving quickly to build dams on the Kunar River, aiming to control water flow into Pakistan. The decision came from Supreme Leader Mawlawi Hibatullah Akhundzada, according to the acting Water Minister, Mullah Abdul Latif Mansoor. He said domestic companies will lead construction, and Afghans have the right to manage their own water.
The move comes amid rising tensions along the 2,600-km Durand Line. Pakistan recently accused Kabul of supporting the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, which Islamabad calls a terrorist group.
The Kunar River starts in Pakistan’s Chitral district, flows through Afghanistan’s Kunar and Nangarhar provinces, and joins the Kabul River. It eventually reaches Pakistan, where it supports irrigation, drinking water, and hydroelectric power, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. If Afghanistan builds dams, Pakistan’s water access could be severely affected. Unlike India and Pakistan, there are no treaties regulating Kunar/Kabul water sharing, leaving Islamabad little immediate recourse.
Since 2021, the Taliban has focused on controlling rivers and canals to boost food security. Projects like the Qosh Tepa canal show their strategy. Last week, Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi visited India and discussed cooperation on hydroelectric projects and sustainable water management.
