Taliban Deputy Minister Assures No Harm to Neighbors from Qoshtepa Canal Water Share
Taliban Deputy Minister of Water and Energy Mujib al-Rahman Umar stated that Afghanistan aims to obtain only its legal water share from the Qoshtepa Canal without harming any neighboring countries.
Umar made the remarks at Uzbekistan's Water Week in response to concerns expressed by Uzbekistan's Minister of Water Resources Shukrat Hamraev. Hamraev warned that excessive withdrawals from the canal, exceeding two billion cubic meters and potentially reaching up to four billion cubic meters, could damage Uzbekistan's agriculture. He indicated that two billion cubic meters would be acceptable.
The Taliban official emphasized the importance of sustainable development practices, adoption of water-saving technologies, regional cooperation, exchange of hydrological data, and coordination on water-related projects.
The Qoshtepa Canal is a major water infrastructure project in northern Afghanistan intended to support agricultural development in the region. The initiative has sparked concerns among neighboring countries, particularly Uzbekistan, over potential impacts on downstream water availability.
Know more about this story?
If you have additional information or believe something is inaccurate, let us know. Your tips help us stay accurate.
Sources (1)
More in International
U.S. Resumes Limited Review of Asylum Requests from Non-High-Risk Countries
US, Israel and Iran Engaged in Escalating Military Conflict
Russian, Uzbek Officials to Discuss Afghanistan Security at Termez Conference
Iran Confirms Death of Revolutionary Guards Navy Commander Tangsiri
ReliableU.S. Resumes Limited Review of Asylum Requests from Non-High-Risk Countries
The U.S. has resumed limited review of asylum applications from countries not on its high-risk list after halting them following a November 2025 shooting near the White House by a former Afghan soldier who entered via the Afghan Allies Relocation Program. Restrictions persist for nationals of 39 high-risk countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America, with full security checks required for all applicants.
US, Israel and Iran Engaged in Escalating Military Conflict
The United States and Israel have launched attacks on targets in Iran amid an escalating war, prompting Iranian missile and drone strikes on Israel and US bases, along with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Failed assassination attempts on Iranian leaders and threats to regional infrastructure highlight the conflict's severity.
ReliableRussian, Uzbek Officials to Discuss Afghanistan Security at Termez Conference
Russian and Uzbek officials will meet in Termez on 10-11 Hamal for a conference hosted by the Valdai Discussion Club and Uzbekistan's Institute for Strategic Studies to discuss Afghanistan's security and regional issues including migration and climate change. Organizers expressed concerns over terrorism risks near the Afghan border.
ReliableIran Confirms Death of Revolutionary Guards Navy Commander Tangsiri
Iran's Revolutionary Guards confirmed the death of naval commander Alireza Tangsiri from injuries sustained in an Israeli strike. The announcement followed Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz's claim by four days.