Archive · 9 Dec 2025
Taliban Dams and Attacks Threaten Pakistan
The Taliban in Afghanistan plans to build dams on the Kunar River, which could reduce the water supply to Pakistan by 16%.
This is making it harder for Pakistan to get the water it needs for farming, drinking, and making electricity.
Pakistan is already having trouble with water because it uses too much and doesn't manage it well.
India, which shares some rivers with Pakistan, has also stopped following a water-sharing agreement, making things even harder for Pakistan.
Both Afghanistan and India are building dams, which could make Pakistan's water problems worse.
Meanwhile, militants attacked a security checkpoint in Pakistan's northwest near the Afghan border, killing six soldiers and three police officers.
Pakistan and Afghanistan have been having border clashes, and peace talks have not been successful.
The Pakistani Taliban, who are different from the Afghan Taliban, are also causing trouble in the region.
The Taliban plans to build dams on the Kunar River, which could reduce water flow to Pakistan by 16%.
Pakistan's water supply is already stressed due to mismanagement and high water usage.
India has suspended the Indus Water Treaty, further threatening Pakistan's water supply.
India is aiding Afghanistan in building dams on the Kabul River system, which could constrict Pakistan's water supply.
Pakistan is considering diverting or storing water upstream but faces technical, economic, and environmental challenges.
- Who
- Pakistan, Afghanistan (Taliban), India, Tehreek-e-Taliban (TTP)
- What
- Taliban plans to build dams on the Kunar River, threatening Pakistan's water supply, and militants attack a security checkpoint in Pakistan's northwest.
- When
- Taliban's return to power, ongoing border tensions, and India's suspension of the Indus Water Treaty in April 2025.
- Where
- Kunar River (originating in Pakistan as the Chitral River and flowing into Afghanistan), Kabul River system, and the Indus River basin; former tribal district of Kurram, Pakistan.
- Why
- Pakistan's water supply is threatened due to the Taliban's dam plans on the Kunar River, combined with India's suspension of the Indus Water Treaty and its involvement in Afghan hydel infrastructure. Additionally, militants use Afghan soil to plan attacks on Pakistani security forces.
- Kunar River
- A tributary of the Kabul River, originating in Pakistan as the Chitral River and flowing into Afghanistan.
- Indus Water Treaty
- A 1960 treaty between India and Pakistan for water sharing, suspended by India in April 2025.
- Kunar Dam Plans
- Taliban plans to build dams on the Kunar River, potentially reducing water flow to Pakistan by 16%.
- Water Availability
- Pakistan's annual water availability has fallen below 1,000 cubic meters per person.
- Population Growth
- Pakistan's population is growing at 2.5-2.6% annually.
- Indian Involvement
- India is aiding Afghanistan in building dams on the Kabul River system.
- Border Clashes
- Approximately 15 major border clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan since the Taliban's return to power.
- Militant Attack
- Six Pakistani soldiers and three police officers killed in a militant attack near the Afghan border.
- Peace Talks
- Three rounds of peace talks hosted by Qatar, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia have failed to produce a lasting agreement.
