Afghanistan Restricts Pakistan’s Water Access, Mirrors India’s Indus Waters Move

Overview

In a major shift in regional politics, Afghanistan’s Taliban government plans to restrict Pakistan’s access to water by building dams on the Kunar River. The move comes shortly after India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty following the Pahalgam terror attack in April.

This step could deeply affect Pakistan’s irrigation systems, drinking water supply, and hydroelectric power, further increasing tensions in the region.

Taliban Pushes for Rapid Dam Construction

The order to start dam projects was given by Taliban Supreme Leader Mawlawi Hibatullah Akhundzada, confirmed by Acting Water Minister Mullah Abdul Latif Mansoor on X (formerly Twitter).

The minister wrote that “Afghans have the right to control their own water resources.” He also mentioned that local Afghan companies will manage the construction work.
At the same time, border clashes continue along the Durand Line, the disputed 2,600 km boundary between the two nations. Islamabad has accused Kabul of supporting the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a group it classifies as a terrorist organization.

India’s Influence After the Indus Waters Treaty Suspension

Afghanistan’s move appears similar to India’s strategy after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, when India decided to pause the 65-year-old Indus Waters Treaty that allowed Pakistan to share river water.
The decision marked a major moment in India’s water diplomacy and seems to have inspired Afghanistan’s recent stance.

The Strategic Importance of the Kunar (Kabul) River

The Kunar River runs for nearly 500 km, starting in Pakistan’s Chitral district before entering Afghanistan. It later merges with the Kabul River, which flows back into Pakistan and joins the Indus River near Attock in Punjab.

Why the River Matters

Provides vital irrigation for farmlands
Supplies drinking water to millions
Powers hydroelectric plants in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

If Afghanistan completes its dam projects, it could severely reduce Pakistan’s water availability, affecting both agriculture and power generation.

No Water-Sharing Treaty Between Pakistan and Afghanistan

While India and Pakistan share a formal agreement under the Indus Waters Treaty, there is no such treaty between Kabul and Islamabad. Without a legal framework, Pakistan has no clear diplomatic path to challenge Afghanistan’s water control, which could heighten regional tensions.

Taliban’s Long-Term Water Strategy

Since taking power in 2021, the Taliban has made water management and food security key national priorities. The government has been building canals and dams to boost agricultural output.

One notable project is the Qosh Tepa Canal, a 285 km development in northern Afghanistan. It aims to transform 550,000 hectares of arid land into farmland. Experts warn the canal could divert up to 21% of the Amu Darya River, impacting Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan.

India-Afghanistan Cooperation on Water Projects

During a recent visit to India, Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi thanked India for its support in maintaining a dam in Herat province.

A joint statement from both sides emphasized the importance of sustainable water management, cooperation on hydroelectric projects, and shared goals to improve Afghanistan’s energy and agricultural sectors.

Regional Impact

Experts believe this development may:

Increase political tension between Afghanistan and Pakistan
Spark a new water conflict in South Asia
Strengthen India-Afghanistan strategic relations
Worsen Pakistan’s water scarcity crisis

Conclusion

Afghanistan’s decision to dam the Kunar River marks a major change in South Asian water geopolitics. By following a path similar to India’s water policy, Kabul is asserting greater control over its resources. With no water-sharing agreement in place, Pakistan faces serious challenges that could lead to further diplomatic and security tensions in the region.