Kunar River Dispute Raises New Tensions Between Afghanistan and Pakistan

Pakistan faces a new threat to its water security after Afghanistan moved ahead with plans to divert the Kunar River. The Taliban administration aims to channel the river toward Nangarhar to ease its own water stress. The plan has triggered alarm in Pakistan, where officials fear a sharp drop in downstream flows.

The development matters because the river feeds key water systems in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It also comes at a time when the region faces rising heat, low rain, and strained diplomacy. According to Reuters, Afghan officials have signaled that technical approvals are nearly complete.

Kunar River Project Sparks Cross‑Border Concerns

The Kunar River begins in Pakistan’s Chitral region and runs through Afghanistan before reentering Pakistan. It joins the Kabul River and later the Indus, which supports farms, homes, and dams. Any drop in its flow could place major stress on Pakistani districts already short on water.

Afghanistan says the diversion will aid farms near the Darunta Dam. Local farmers have struggled with dry soil and weak groundwater. Kabul argues the project is vital for food security.

Pakistan fears the opposite outcome across the border. Shorter river flow could harm crops in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It may also limit water for power projects around the Kabul River. Analysts told Reuters that both sides face climate stress, but action without agreement could worsen regional ties.

There is no treaty between Afghanistan and Pakistan for shared rivers. Unlike the Indus Waters Treaty with India, this border has no legal guide. This makes any dispute harder to manage and gives each side little room for formal talks.

Regional Impact and What Comes Next

The plan also comes at a tense moment for Pakistan’s wider water system. India recently halted cooperation under the Indus Waters Treaty. This has left Pakistan more exposed to upstream shifts, and the Kunar River issue adds another point of pressure.

Experts say the dispute may grow if both sides fail to open talks soon. Water shortages already affect millions across the region. Climate change has cut snowfall, reduced river flow, and made droughts more frequent.

For Pakistan, water cuts could hurt food supply, energy output, and local jobs. For Afghanistan, river control is tied to survival and political stability. Such competing needs raise the risk of conflict if not addressed through diplomacy.

Both countries face a hard choice. They must protect their people while avoiding new friction. Talks may be the only path to prevent future crises around the Kunar River.

Pakistan and Afghanistan now stand at a delicate point as the Kunar River becomes a test of trust. The next steps taken by both sides may shape their shared future and long-term stability.

Thought you’d like to know-

Q1: Why is the Kunar River important?

The Kunar River feeds major water systems in Pakistan and Afghanistan. It supports farms, homes, and power projects. Any cut in its flow hits both countries hard.

Q2: What is Afghanistan planning?

Afghanistan plans to divert the river toward the Darunta Dam in Nangarhar. The goal is to improve water supply for farms. The plan has advanced through Afghan technical reviews.

Q3: How will this affect Pakistan?

Pakistan may face lower river flow in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This could hurt crops and power output. Experts warn that shortages may rise if the plan moves ahead.

Q4: Is there a water treaty between the countries?

No treaty exists for rivers shared by Pakistan and Afghanistan. This makes disputes harder to resolve. It also raises the risk of long-term tension.

Q5: Why is climate change part of the issue?

Climate change is reducing rain and snow in the region. Rivers are shrinking as a result. Both countries are competing for limited water.

Trusted Sources: Reuters, AP News, BBC News