Afghanistan Plans to Construct Dams on Kunar River, Pakistan Water Security Fears

• Date: October 2025
• Verdict: Taliban Supremo Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada orders direct construction of dams on Kunar River.
• Confirmation: Water Minister Abdul Latif Mansoor of Afghan Taliban.

Key Highlights:

• Kunar River is a river which has its source in Chitral region of Pakistan, passes over Kunar and Nangarhar provinces in Afghanistan and enters the Indus River system in Pakistan.
• Dams were meant to achieve hydro-economic autonomy and take control of trans-boundary rivers.
• Afghan move considered as geopolitical retaliation against the airstrikes of the Pakistan against the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) camps and other hostilities such as deportations of refugees and closing of the trade routes.
• Iran and China are said to be in support of the intention of Afghanistan to influence the agricultural production of Pakistan.

Historical Context:

• Reflects the Indian principle of blood and water cannot run together in the event of suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty in the post-Pahalgam attack May 2025.

Exam-Oriented Facts:

• Kunar River is an important tributary river of Indus River system.
• The construction of this dam begins with the airstrikes by the Taliban on the dam, which began on October 9, 2025, following the airstrikes by Pakistan.
• Potential effects of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa irrigation and water security in the region.

Regional Implications:

• The water control as the strategic instrument in South Asia.
• Potential to increase transboundary water conflicts and influence agricultural economies.
• Presents the importance of water diplomacy in the conflict management between Pakistan and Afghanistan.