Transboundary Water Issues between Pakistan and Afghanistan

Abstract

"Pakistan and Afghanistan not only share a 2600km long border but also share numerous watercourses including the Kabul River. Though both the riparian nations are water stressed, they have not used the potential to conserve and safeguard their water resources which is rapidly depleting. Despite the many attempts and facilitation provided by the international organization there still exist no treaty between the two water sharing states to device mechanism to govern and manage the shared water resources between the two states. The Afghan government planning of constructing hydropower projects on Kabul River may affect the flow of water to the lower riparian state Pakistan. This may lead to affect the performance of agriculture sector of the Pakistan which is considered as the backbone of the economy. This may trigger a conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan as Pakistan is already facing difficulties in providing the needed water to its agriculture and industrial sector due to water shortage. There is a greater need of an agreement on the shared water resources between the two states to avoid future conflicts, maintain a peaceful environment in the region and overcome the water and energy crises in both states. The issue can be harmoniously resolved through an institutionalized agreement on sharing the Kabul River water between the two riparian states."