Afghanistan’s Taliban government is moving forward with plans to build a major dam on the Kunar River, a decision that spells significant trouble for Pakistan’s water supply. This bold move, seen as a direct response to recent Pakistani military operations in Afghanistan, could trigger a severe water crisis for its neighbor.
The Kunar River is more than just a waterway; it is a lifeline for Pakistan, feeding into the mighty Indus River, which irrigates the country’s breadbasket provinces and powers its hydroelectric plants. The construction of the Kunar dam by Afghanistan is expected to drastically reduce the river’s flow into Pakistan, with estimates suggesting a cut of 25% to 30%.
Taliban leadership has issued directives for the dam’s immediate construction, prioritizing Afghan companies and resources. This suggests a firm resolve to leverage water as a strategic tool. The dam’s primary aims are to bolster Afghanistan’s energy independence by generating 1,000 megawatts of hydropower and to exert significant pressure on Pakistan.
The potential fallout for Pakistan is immense. Reduced water availability threatens the irrigation of approximately 120,000 acres of farmland, jeopardizing national food security. Millions could face shortages of drinking water, and a significant drop in electricity generation, enough to power over a million homes, could lead to widespread blackouts. Pakistan’s helplessness stems from the river’s geographical path – flowing out of and then back into the country – and the lack of any binding water treaty with Afghanistan. This situation echoes a similar dynamic with India, suggesting a coordinated strategy of water denial aimed at weakening Pakistan.