Afghan Minister of Water and Energy, Maulawi Abdul Latif Mansour, has reaffirmed the government’s resolve to build a dam on the Kunar River. He stressed that the project will not harm Pakistan and will be primarily funded and developed through Afghan investment.

​In an audio message, Mansour confirmed the ministry’s commitment to proceed with the dam, noting that talks have been held with several domestic companies. However, he lamented that some foreign firms start discussions but then fail to follow through or provide definitive responses.

​Prioritizing Afghan Investment

​”We are determined,” the Minister stated. “We have progressed with several companies, but unfortunately, some come, negotiate, and then disappear without a positive or negative reply.”

​He added, “If the Islamic Emirate can manage it on its own, we will move forward independently. If not, we will look for other options, but we won’t wait indefinitely.” Mansour explained that a proposal is being drafted to attract Afghan investors, aiming to make the project profitable for them while benefiting the nation’s water and energy sectors.

​Assurances to Pakistan

​Maulawi Abdul Latif Mansour emphasized that the dam will not divert the river’s flow and will have no negative impact on neighbouring countries.

​”These are Afghan waters, and we must use them for our benefit. No one should be worried; studies have shown this project won’t cause harm,” he asserted. “Even during the former democratic era, Pakistan agreed to this project, and their experts confirmed it would not cause them any damage.” The Kunar River Dam is expected to improve water management in eastern Afghanistan, support agricultural yields, and boost energy production.

​Context of Rising Tensions

​This development follows an order from the supreme leader of the Afghan government, Hibatullah Akhundzada, instructing the Ministry of Water and Energy to immediately construct dams on the Kunar River.

Minister Mansour has previously asserted Afghanistan’s sovereignty in making decisions regarding its waters.

​It is significant because the Kunar River eventually joins the Kabul River, passes through the Khyber Pass, and feeds into the Indus River Basin. Experts have warned that dam construction in Afghanistan could severely affect water flow in Pakistan.