Twin challenge? After India, Afghanistan may restrict river water supply to Pakistan; Taliban to construct dam

After India, Taliban-ruled Afghanistan is now taking aim at Pakistan’s water supply. The Taliban government has ordered the rapid construction of a dam on the Kunar River, Russian news outlet RT reported.

This move comes amid escalating military tensions between the two neighbours along the Durand Line, the 2,640km (1,600-mile) international border separating Afghanistan and Pakistan.

According to RT, the Afghan foreign ministry confirmed that the dam project on the Kunar River is aimed at limiting water supply to Pakistan.

The recent violence along the border erupted on October 11 at multiple fronts after Islamabad reportedly carried out strikes in Kabul and Paktika province targeting armed groups such as the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

Both sides suffered casualties, and the clashes involved tanks, weapons, and IEDs.

This isn’t Pakistan’s first water-related headache. Months ago, India suspended parts of the long-standing Indus Waters Treaty as a strong response to the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which killed 26 civilians and was backed by Pakistan

The Indus Waters Treaty signed in 1960 and mediated by the World Bank , governs the use of the Indus River and its six major tributaries - five on the left bank and one on the right bank. The treaty has long played a crucial role in managing water supply for both India and Pakistan.