New Delhi: Plans by the Afghan Taliban to construct a hydroelectric dam on a significant river in Afghanistan have raised issues in neighboring Pakistan, the media reported.
A spokesman for the Taliban’s Water and Power Ministry mentioned on December 18 that the “survey and design of the challenge are full.”
A Pakistani provincial minister mentioned the unilateral resolution by the Taliban to construct the dam “can be thought of a hostile act towards Pakistan.”
Jan Achakzai, the provincial data minister within the southwestern province of Balochistan, warned of “extreme penalties,” together with “escalating tensions and potential battle,” RFE/RL reported.
The 480-km-long Kunar River originates within the Hindu Kush mountains in northeastern Afghanistan and merges with the Kabul River earlier than flowing downstream into Pakistan.
Afghanistan’s rivers are a major supply of contemporary water for Pakistan. However the two neighbors have by no means signed a bilateral water-sharing settlement.
Disputes over Kabul’s plans to construct dams on main rivers, which would cut back the move of water to Pakistan, threaten to be a supply of pressure and battle between the 2 nations, RFE/RL reported.
The deliberate hydroelectric dam on the Kunar River is the newest formidable infrastructure challenge undertaken by the cash-strapped Taliban authorities, which stays internationally unrecognized.
Consultants mentioned the extremist group lacks the experience and funds to fund the challenge.
“Setting up dams requires technical know-how, a sturdy provide chain, and some huge cash,” mentioned Najib Aqa Fahim, an Afghan water-management professional.
Najibullah Sadid, one other Afghan water professional, mentioned the dam on the Kunar River is comparatively small and won’t threaten water flows to Pakistan.
This submit was final modified on December 23, 2023 7:27 pm
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