Afghanistan Announces Construction of Dam on River Kunar Originating from Pakistan’s Chitral

KABUL (International Desk)
The Afghan government has announced plans to construct a dam on the River Kunar, which originates from Pakistan’s Chitral region, directing the Ministry of Energy to begin work on the project without delay.

According to Afghanistan International, Afghan Minister of Energy and Water Abdul Latif Mansoor stated that the country’s leadership has instructed the ministry to proceed with the dam’s construction through local companies, rather than waiting for foreign contractors.

Mansoor, citing the directive of Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, emphasized that “the Afghan people have the right to manage their own waters.”

The Kunar River—one of Afghanistan’s five major rivers—flows approximately 482 kilometers through the eastern province of Kunar before merging with the Kabul River, which later re-enters Pakistan.

This latest move comes amid growing border tensions between the Taliban government and Pakistan. Water management has long been a sensitive issue between the two neighbors, as there is no formal water-sharing agreement in place, and river flows are managed through traditional arrangements.

Last year, reports of similar dam projects in eastern Afghanistan prompted former Pakistani minister Jan Achakzai to warn that any unilateral construction by the Taliban on the Kunar River would be viewed as a hostile act against Pakistan. He cautioned that such measures could lead to serious consequences, including heightened tensions and potential confrontation.