The Taliban-led government in Afghanistan has recently declared that it does not officially recognize a formal border with Pakistan, as reported by TOLO News on Sunday.
The statement was made by the acting Afghan Minister of Borders and Tribal Affairs, Noorullah Noori, during his visit to the Torkham border crossing. Noori asserted that the Durand Line, which serves as the demarcation between the two countries, is considered by Afghanistan as an imaginary line, indicating a lack of acknowledgment of a defined boundary.
This proclamation comes on the heels of the reopening of the Torkham border crossing for trade after a 10-day closure that began on January 13. The closure was prompted by disagreements over document regulations for commercial vehicle drivers crossing the border. The Torkham crossing, strategically located equidistant between the capitals of Islamabad and Kabul, experienced frequent closures throughout the previous year, occasionally escalating into armed clashes between border guards.
Noori further emphasized the uncertainty surrounding the border, stating that it remains “unclear,” with what he described as “imaginary lines” dividing the two nations. The assertion challenges the traditional understanding of the Durand Line, a historical boundary agreed upon during British colonial rule.
Addressing concerns about periodic tensions along the border, Noori assured that Afghanistan is actively working to resolve such issues in a “proper way.” This development adds a layer of complexity to the already intricate geopolitical dynamics in the region, with implications for diplomatic relations and border management between Afghanistan and Pakistan. The evolving situation underscores the need for ongoing dialogue and diplomatic efforts to address these border-related challenges and foster stability in the region.
