Tensions rise as Afghanistan plans hydroelectric dam on Kunar River in Pakistan

In recent developments, Afghanistan, under the Taliban regime, has announced ambitious plans to construct a hydroelectric dam on the Kunar River. This decision has significantly escalated tensions with Pakistan, a neighboring country that relies heavily on river water originating from Afghanistan. The Kunar River, a 480-kilometer-long waterway, begins in the Hindu Kush mountains of Afghanistan and plays a crucial role in the region's water supply.

The core of the conflict

The primary cause of the escalating tensions lies in the strategic significance of water resources.

This situation is compounded by the absence of a bilateral water-sharing agreement between the two countries, leaving room for disputes and contention over water usage.

Impact on Pakistan

This concern is heightened by the country’s already-existing challenges related to water scarcity and management. The prospect of reduced water availability has sparked not only diplomatic protests but also fears of escalating tensions that could lead to broader regional instability.

Afghanistan's Perspective and Challenges

The project is part of a larger ambition to harness the country's rivers for irrigation and power generation. However, experts have raised concerns about the Taliban government's ability to carry out such an infrastructure project, citing a lack of technical expertise, financial resources, and international recognition, which is vital for funding and support.

Expert Opinions and Environmental Concerns

Some Afghan water experts have downplayed the potential impact on Pakistan, suggesting that the dam on the Kunar River will be relatively small, designed primarily for electricity generation, and not likely to significantly affect water flows. Conversely, Pakistani officials argue that any reduction in river flow could be detrimental. Environmentalists and water management experts are also concerned about the potential ecological impact of dam construction, emphasizing the need for careful assessment and sustainable practices.

India's Alleged Involvement

Adding another layer to this complex scenario, Pakistani officials have speculated about India's involvement in the proposed project, drawing parallels to India's previous assistance in constructing the Salma Dam on Afghanistan’s Hari River. This suspicion further complicates the geopolitical dynamics in the region, as India-Pakistan relations have their own set of longstanding issues.

Future Implications and the Need for Dialogue

The future implications of this conflict are significant. If not addressed through diplomatic channels, the escalating tension could lead to a serious regional crisis. The need for a bilateral water-sharing agreement is more pressing than ever, as it could provide a framework for cooperation and conflict resolution. Additionally, the situation calls for a broader regional dialogue involving key stakeholders to address water scarcity and management issues in a collaborative and sustainable manner.

Ongoing complexities surrounding the Helmand River between Iran and Afghanistan

In the ongoing complexities surrounding the Helmand River, a vital resource for both Iran and Afghanistan, tensions persist as Iran's interior minister urges the Taliban to safeguard Iran's water rights. The river, crucial for agriculture and drinking water, has been a longstanding source of dispute between the neighboring nations. While Iran accuses Afghanistan of hindering water flow through dam constructions, Afghan authorities vehemently deny these claims.

The recent meeting between Iran's interior minister and the Taliban's Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs addressed not only water concerns but also delved into discussions on border security, counterterrorism, and the facilitation of Afghan refugee returns. 

Central Asian Water Crisis

Earlier Daryo reported that from 2013, Afghanistan and Pakistan jointly worked on a hydroelectric power project, producing 1,500 megawatts on the Kunar River. The Taliban's recent actions alter the existing collaboration dynamics.