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Afghanistan’s plan to divert water from the Kunar River to Nangarhar could drastically reduce flows into Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, intensifying the country’s water shortage and raising fears of a new cross-border conflict.
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Islamabad: The Taliban government in Afghanistan has approved plans to divert water from the Kunar River toward the Darunta Dam in the Nangarhar region. The proposal was cleared by the Technical Committee of the Economic Commission of the Office of the Prime Minister and is now awaiting final approval by the Economic Commission. Officials claim the project will alleviate severe water shortages affecting farms and communities in eastern Afghanistan.
Impact on Pakistan’s Water Supply
For Pakistan, the move could have serious consequences. The Kunar River, stretching nearly 500 kilometers, originates from the Hindu Kush mountains in Chitral, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It flows south into Afghanistan through Kunar and Nangarhar provinces before joining the Kabul River. Together with the Pech River, the waters re-enter Pakistan and merge into the Indus River near Attock, Punjab. The river is vital for irrigation, drinking water, and hydroelectric power generation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a region already struggling with water scarcity.
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No Treaty to Prevent Diversion
Unlike the Indus Waters Treaty with India, Pakistan has no formal agreement with Afghanistan for the sharing of rivers like the Kunar. This absence of a legal framework leaves Pakistan vulnerable, with limited options to challenge the diversion diplomatically. Experts warn that if dams are constructed upstream before the river reaches Pakistan, the flow of water could be drastically reduced, affecting millions of people and agricultural lands in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
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Potential for Increased Tensions
The decision comes at a sensitive time, following India’s suspension of water allocations under the Indus Waters Treaty. Analysts suggest that combined pressure on water resources from both neighboring countries could escalate regional tensions. Reduced water flow could also impact Pakistan’s hydroelectric projects, further straining energy and agricultural needs in the country.
Looking Ahead
As Afghanistan moves forward with its plan, Pakistan faces a growing water security challenge. Authorities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are reportedly assessing contingency measures to mitigate the potential impact. The situation underscores the urgent need for dialogue and cooperation between the two neighbors to prevent further deterioration of already fragile relations.
