After India’s firm stance on controlling water flow from the Indus basin, Taliban-ruled Afghanistan has now moved to restrict the flow of water from the Kunar River into Pakistan — a move that could further deepen Islamabad’s water crisis. According to reports, Afghanistan has accelerated its efforts to construct dams on the river, which originates in its eastern provinces before entering Pakistan as part of the Kabul River system.
Afghanistan’s swift action on dam project
The Taliban government has reportedly begun work to divert the Kunar River’s water for its own irrigation and hydropower needs. The project, which had been under discussion for years, has now gained urgency following recent tensions between the two countries. Sources suggest that this step comes amid growing mistrust over Pakistan’s alleged interference in Afghanistan’s internal matters and its continued sheltering of terror groups.
India’s earlier move set the tone
Earlier, India had invoked provisions under the Indus Waters Treaty to optimize its share of river waters, limiting the flow of certain rivers into Pakistan. With Afghanistan’s new stance, Islamabad finds itself increasingly isolated and vulnerable to regional water diplomacy, as both its neighbours have begun exercising greater control over shared resources.
Experts warn of growing regional tension
Water experts have warned that Pakistan may face an acute shortage in coming years if it fails to initiate dialogue and invest in internal water management. The development, they say, highlights the long-term consequences of Islamabad’s destabilizing policies in the region — where its support for militant outfits has now begun to backfire economically and environmentally.
A diplomatic and strategic setback
If Afghanistan proceeds with the Kunar project, it could significantly reduce water flow into Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region, affecting agriculture and drinking water supply. Analysts believe this marks a major diplomatic setback for Pakistan, which now risks paying a “hefty price” for years of interference and misplaced priorities.
