There has always been no hope of good from India, but a country like Afghanistan, which Pakistan has always provided every kind of help to, has once again set an example of ingratitude.
The recent threat by Afghanistan to cut off water supply from the Kunar River to Pakistan has ignited a dangerous spark in an already volatile region. While the intent to leverage water as a weapon may seem tempting, it is a gamble fraught with perilous consequences for both nations. To understand the true depths of this threat, one must delve into the intricate geography that binds these two countries and the shared history that flows through their veins – a history inextricably linked to the lifeblood of the region: Water.
The Kunar River, a vital artery for Afghanistan, is not an entity unto itself. Its journey begins in the snow-capped peaks of Chitral, nestled within Pakistan’s borders. Here, it is known as the Chitral River, carving its path through lush valleys before crossing the Durand Line into Afghanistan. It assumes the name Kunar and continues its nourishing journey, eventually merging with the mighty Kabul River. This interconnectedness paints a stark picture: Afghanistan’s threats to cut off the Kunar’s flow are not merely a slap on Pakistan’s wrist; they are a potential stranglehold on its own lifeblood.
The crux of the matter lies not in the technicalities of water distribution, but in the underlying political tensions. Afghanistan’s recent threats stem from the propagandas by none other than India, who first tried to take help of the militant group; TTP that has plagued Pakistan for years, to destroy peace on the land of Pakistan, now have signed agreements and is assisting Afghanistan for the Hydal Project by providing engineers. However, resorting to water as a weapon is not only counter productive but also ethically questionable. It punishes innocent Pashtuns on both sides, turning a political dispute into a humanitarian crisis.
The story of the Kabul River is not just about geography; it is a story of shared history, intertwined destinies, and the delicate balance of life. To sever this connection, to weaponize water, is not only a violation of international norms but also a betrayal of the very essence that binds these two nations together; Pashtuns. Afghanistan has always been so rigid while claiming that Pashtuns on both sides of the border are one nation and that they should be united, but when it comes this project, they are behaving completely naive and have no concerns regarding the consequences it will implement on the Pashtuns across the border, specifically the areas of Charsadda, Nowshehra, Swabi, Mohmand and someother regions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
While planning on this water aggression, Afghanistan seems to be in a fallacy that Pakistan is not ready to handle this situation. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s aware of the interconnectedness of the rivers, has embarked on several ambitious water infrastructure projects, including tunnel canals designed to divert water directly from the Chitral River before it crosses into Afghanistan. The most recent example of tackling such issue is the Nelum-Jhelum Hydro-Power Project. Such efforts, while controversial, highlight the precarious balance of power at play.
Afghanistan must choose the path of wisdom, the path of cooperation, and leave the murky waters of conflict behind. The future of mass public, on both sides of the border, especially Pashtuns, depends on it.
Now this tri-lateral relationship of conflict raise the questions that, will Afghanistan recognize its own future being intricately linked to Pakistan’s or not? And that the challenges both nations face – from terrorism to climate change – require cooperation, not confrontation. Also, will Afghanistan be wise enough to engage in dialogue, fostering regional cooperation, and upholding international water treaties which will be far more sustainable solutions than resorting to threats and brinkmanship?
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