USING water resources as a diplomatic tool, the interim Taliban government in Afghanistan is poised to escalate tensions with Pakistan by proceeding with plans to construct the Gambiri Dam on the Kunar River. Concerns are mounting that the dam’s implementation could alter the flow of the Kabul River, potentially reducing water availability in Pakistan, which relies on the river for about 17 per cent of its water supply during the winter months when the Indus flows decline.

With seven major rivers coursing through the mountainous terrain that separates Pakistan and Afghanistan, the issue of water resources holds significant implications for both the countries, impacting livelihoods and sustenance on either side of the Durand Line. Amidst an environment of mutual mistrust, bilateral policies are viewed through the lens of antagonism, particularly those affecting the two countries directly or indirectly.

Despite decades of efforts to reach an agreement with Afghanistan regarding the Kabul River, a sustainable policy or joint treaty for managing trans-boundary water resources has remained elusive. The absence of such an agreement only compounds the situation, increasing the risk of conflict over water resources, and presenting formidable challenges to regional stability and development.

Effective cooperation and agreements are imperative for mitigating these risks and fostering mutual benefit. Constructive dialogue and negotiation between Pakistan and Afghanistan are essential to address all the shared concerns,

and to ensure the equitable sharing and sustainable management of water resources for the benefit of the two peoples. Both the countries deserve this much.

Syed Zamin Ali
Larkana

Published in Dawn, April 20th, 2024