Taliban Orders Kunar Dam Projects: Pakistan’s Water Security at Risk

Afghanistan’s Taliban administration is moving forward with plans to construct dams on the River Kunar, a critical waterway for Pakistan. The directive, issued by Taliban Supreme Leader Mawlawi Hibatullah Akhundzada, calls for the immediate start of dam construction, prioritizing Afghan companies. This announcement was made through the Afghan Information Ministry’s X account, emphasizing a swift implementation. The timing of this announcement is notable, coming soon after a fragile ceasefire was agreed upon following intense border hostilities between the two nations. Previously, in May, a high-ranking Taliban official, General Mubin, visited the Kunar region and advocated strongly for dam construction, describing water as the lifeblood of the nation. This strategic water management strategy by Afghanistan, reminiscent of actions by India, could exacerbate regional tensions and raise serious concerns about water availability downstream in Pakistan.