Pakistan to spend Rs 22500000000 on drinking water as after India this country decides to…, serious problems to occur in…

Pakistan, already under pressure after India hinted at revoking the Indus Waters Treaty following the Pahalgam terror attack, is now facing another water-related setback. This time, it’s Afghanistan that’s taking a firm stand. The Afghan government has announced plans to stop the flow of water from its rivers that flow into Pakistan, a move that’s expected to create serious problems, especially in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region.

Following Afghanistan’s decision, Pakistan may now have to spend over Rs. 2,250 crore (annually) just to meet the drinking water needs of people in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. And it’s not just about drinking water the rivers in question are also used for irrigation, which means agriculture in the region could also suffer.

Which rivers from Afghanistan flow into Pakistan?

Afghanistan and Pakistan share several river basins that are vital for Pakistan’s water security. Here are the major ones:

• Kabul River: Originating in the Hindu Kush mountains of Afghanistan, the Kabul River flows into Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. It is a key source of water for cities like Peshawar, Nowshera, and Attock. Eventually, it merges into the Indus River.
• Kunar River: This is a tributary of the Kabul River. It starts in Afghanistan and flows into Pakistan. The river supports farming in the lower areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
• Other Rivers: Afghanistan and Pakistan share a total of nine river basins. These include the Gomal River (flowing into South Waziristan), the Pishin-Lora system, Kandahar-Kand basin, Kadanai, Abdul Wahab stream, and the Khaisur River. Most of these contribute to the water systems in Pakistan’s Balochistan province and eventually feed into the Indus Basin.

India’s crucial role in Afghanistan’s dam projects 

Afghanistan has ramped up efforts to build dams on rivers that flow into Pakistan, a move that could significantly reduce water availability in its neighboring country. Interestingly, India has played a key role in funding and supporting some of these dam projects, strengthening its strategic ties with Afghanistan while increasing pressure on Pakistan.

Shahtoot Dam on Kabul River

The Shahtoot Dam is being constructed on the Kabul River, a lifeline for both Afghanistan and parts of Pakistan. India has committed USD 236 million in financial and technical support for this dam. Once completed, it will supply clean drinking water to around 2 million residents of Kabul, while also supporting irrigation and electricity generation.

Proposed Dam on Kunar River

Afghanistan is also planning to build a dam on the Kunar River, another important water source that flows into Pakistan. Taliban military official General Mobeen recently visited the Kunar region and publicly backed the dam project. He declared, “This water is our lifeblood. We won’t let it just flow away.” This dam, once built, could further cut down water supplies to Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

Salma Dam on Hari River

The Salma Dam, also known as the Afghan-India Friendship Dam, has already been completed with Indian support. Built on the Hari River, it provides electricity and irrigation benefits within Afghanistan. However, since this river does not flow into Pakistan, the dam doesn’t directly affect Pakistani water supplies.

What will happen if Afghanistan stops water flow to Pakistan?

Afghanistan’s decision to block or restrict water flow to Pakistan could have serious consequences, especially since several Pakistani regions heavily rely on these shared rivers for farming, drinking water, and electricity.

Impact on Agriculture: The Kabul and Kunar rivers are critical for irrigation in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and surrounding areas. If Afghanistan reduces water flow, there could be a major shortage of water for kharif (summer) crops. Estimates suggest Pakistan may face up to a 21 per cent drop in water availability for this key farming season, which could reduce crop yields and hurt farmers’ income.

Drinking Water Crisis: Cities like Peshawar and Nowshera depend directly on surface water from the Kabul River for drinking. A cut in supply could create a severe water shortage for thousands of residents.

Hydropower Disruption: Hydroelectric projects such as the Tarbela Dam, which generate electricity from river water, would also be affected. Reduced water flow means less power production, which could lead to power shortages and affect industries that rely on a stable electricity supply.

Economic Fallout: Agriculture forms a large part of Pakistan’s economy. If water becomes scarce, food production will drop, impacting both domestic food security and exports. This could lead to higher food prices, lower income for farmers, and put economic stability at risk.

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