Water War Brewing: Kunar River Dispute Threatens to Ignite New Pakistan-Taliban Crisis

Islamabad Warns of “Existential Threat” as Taliban Proceeds with Controversial Dam Project on Shared River; Border Tensions Escalate

ISLAMABAD/KABUL — A simmering water dispute over the vital Kunar River (also known as the Chitral River in Pakistan) is rapidly escalating into a potential military flashpoint between Pakistan and the Taliban regime in Afghanistan. Islamabad has issued stern warnings, labeling the Taliban’s ongoing construction of a new hydroelectric dam on the Kunar as an “existential threat” to Pakistan’s water and food security.

The Kunar River: A Lifeline Under Threat

The Kunar River, originating in Afghanistan and flowing into Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) province, is a crucial source of irrigation and hydroelectric power for both nations. For Pakistan, the river feeds agricultural lands and is a key tributary of the Indus River system. The Taliban’s unilateral decision to proceed with the Kunar Hydroelectric Project, without prior consultation or agreement with Pakistan, has triggered alarm bells in Islamabad.

“This is not merely a water dispute; it is a direct threat to our sovereignty and the livelihood of millions,” stated Pakistan’s Foreign Minister during a recent emergency press briefing. He warned that any significant diversion of Kunar River waters would have “catastrophic consequences” for Pakistan’s agrarian economy.

Taliban Defiance and Border Militarization

Despite repeated diplomatic protests from Pakistan, the Taliban administration has reportedly accelerated construction on the Kunar dam. Sources within the Afghan Ministry of Energy and Water claim the project is “vital for Afghanistan’s self-sufficiency” and that Pakistan’s concerns are “exaggerated.”

This defiance has led to a significant militarization of the border regions along the Kunar River. Both sides have reportedly deployed additional troops and artillery, raising fears of armed clashes. Border skirmishes have already been reported in recent weeks, particularly in areas like Dir and Bajaur, near the project site.

A Looming Crisis Beyond the Border

Analysts fear that this water dispute could overshadow other ongoing tensions, such as border fence disputes and cross-border militant attacks. The Kunar River crisis adds another layer of complexity to the already fraught Pakistan-Taliban relationship.

“Water is a deeply emotive issue,” commented a regional security expert. “If this isn’t managed immediately through international mediation, it could easily spiral into a full-blown military confrontation, drawing in regional and global powers.” The international community is now urged to intervene, with concerns growing that Central and South Asia could soon face its first major “water war.”