Taliban Orders Dam Construction Following War and India's Treaty Move
Afghanistan's Taliban leadership is moving decisively to assert control over its water resources, potentially escalating regional tensions. The country's Supreme Leader, Mawlawi Hibatullah Akhundzada, has ordered the immediate start of dam construction on the Kunar River. This move, announced by the Afghan Information Ministry, signals a clear intent to restrict water flow downstream to Pakistan. The decision comes just weeks after a deadly border war between the two nations and follows India's suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan.
Asserting Water Sovereignty
The directive from Akhundzada instructs the Ministry of Water and Energy to begin dam construction "as fast as possible." A significant detail is the emphasis on signing contracts with domestic Afghan companies rather than waiting for foreign firms. This underscores the Taliban's push for self-reliance and national control over critical infrastructure projects. Since regaining power in 2021, the Taliban regime has prioritized water sovereignty. They have accelerated plans for hydropower and dam projects across the country. The goal is to harness Afghanistan's rivers for energy, irrigation, and reduced dependence on its neighbors.
Potential Impact on Pakistan
The Kunar River, known as the Chitral River in Pakistan, originates in Afghanistan's Hindu Kush mountains. It flows south before crossing into Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, where it merges with the Kabul River near Jalalabad. The Kabul River itself is a major transboundary waterway that eventually joins the Indus River in Pakistan.
Restricting the flow of the Kunar River would have significant downstream consequences. It would directly impact the Kabul River's volume and, consequently, the Indus River system. This could severely affect water availability for irrigation and other needs in Pakistan, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and potentially even the agricultural heartland of Punjab. Complicating matters further, Afghanistan and Pakistan lack a formal water-sharing agreement, leaving disputes open to unilateral actions. Islamabad has previously expressed alarm over Afghanistan's dam-building plans, warning of a potential regional water crisis.
Geopolitical Context and Indian Cooperation
Afghanistan's decision unfolds against a backdrop of heightened regional instability. The recent border war between Afghan and Pakistani forces resulted in hundreds of casualties. Furthermore, India's suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, following a terror attack in Pahalgam, has already altered the region's water-sharing dynamics.
Interestingly, the Taliban's announcement comes just a week after Afghanistan's Foreign Minister visited India. During meetings with his Indian counterpart, S Jaishankar, both sides reaffirmed their cooperation on hydropower projects. A joint statement specifically mentioned India's assistance with the Salma Dam (Afghan-India Friendship Dam) and the ongoing Shahtoot Dam project. These projects are crucial for Afghanistan's energy and water security. The Taliban's move on the Kunar River, while potentially straining ties with Pakistan, aligns with its national development goals and reflects its ongoing strategic engagement with India on water resource management.
