October 25, 2025

Border tensions are heating up the waters—literally! Just days after fierce clashes on the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, the Taliban government in Kabul announced a bold plan: building dams on the mighty Kunar River, a key water source flowing into Pakistan's northwest. This stunning decision may squeeze the river’s flow, stirring fresh worries for Pakistan. Taliban Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada personally ordered the project, stressing it must start “as soon as possible,” without waiting for foreign companies. Muhajer Farahi, Afghanistan’s Deputy Information and Culture Minister, explained in a lively post on X that the Ministry of Water and Energy has been told to sign deals with Afghan firms to speed things up. “The Ministry of Water and Energy says that His Excellency the Amir al-Mu'minin [Hibatullah Akhundzada] has instructed them to begin construction of dams on the Kunar River as soon as possible and to sign contracts with domestic companies instead of waiting for foreign firms,” Farahi said. He quoted Mullah Abdul Latif Mansoor, Afghanistan’s acting Minister of Energy and Water: “Afghans have the right to manage their own water resources.” Why now? This comes hot on the heels of tense border clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan, which escalated quickly but were cooled down by a ceasefire, brokered thanks to Qatar and Turkey’s mediation in Doha. Qatar announced an “immediate ceasefire” and said more talks would follow to ensure lasting peace. The Kunar River is no small stream — it stretches roughly 480 kilometers, running from eastern Afghanistan through Pakistan’s northwest. Fed by glaciers from the lofty Hindu Kush mountains, it’s a vital part of the larger Indus river basin that Pakistan depends on heavily. This dramatic dam decision also follows India’s freeze on the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan after a deadly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. With all these moves, water politics between these neighbors are turning into a real high-stakes drama. In April, Abdul Latif Mansoor told Tolo News that Afghanistan’s plans to build dams on the Kunar River are part of the country’s sovereign right. So, the water war might just be beginning, with Afghanistan rolling out its own rulebook—no foreign partners allowed! Stay tuned as this riverside rivalry unfolds, where water might soon become the most precious—and fought over—liquid in the region!

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Tags: Afghanistan, Taliban, Kunar river, Dam construction, Pakistan, Water resources,