Durand Line
In a significant policy shift, Pakistan has announced its intention to formally designate its borders with Afghanistan as “international,” aiming to tighten control over cross-border activities, including militant infiltration and smuggling.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif disclosed this decision on Thursday, highlighting its dual purpose: curbing economic losses from illicit trade in commodities like oil and fertilizers and enhancing security by preventing terrorist activities.
Under the new policy, all traffic from Afghanistan into Pakistan will require valid passports and visas, signaling an end to the longstanding practice of informal crossings without proper documentation, as stated by Asif in an interview.
The move comes amidst a surge in cross-border attacks on Pakistani security forces, attributed to militants equipped with advanced weaponry.
Asif underscored Pakistan’s longstanding calls for Afghanistan’s interim government to prevent its territory from being used by militant groups like the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) for launching attacks.
He emphasized the need to secure Pakistan’s borders, particularly following the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan, which he noted has coincided with increased terrorism emanating from Afghan soil.
The defence minister justified the implementation of formal border controls with Afghanistan by citing global norms, pointing out that Pakistan’s borders with China, Iran, and India operate under stringent regulations.
He compared the visa and passport restrictions to similar situations along other divided borders, such as those with India in Sialkot, where families are separated.
Regarding recent remarks by Maulana Fazlur Rehman of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) criticizing Pakistan-China relations, Asif clarified that Pakistan-China cooperation remains robust and was reaffirmed during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent visit to China.
He refuted claims that Maulana Fazlur Rehman had engaged with Chinese diplomats, stating his readiness to provide accurate information on China’s commitments to Pakistan.
Asif concluded by describing the prime minister’s visit to China as successful, highlighting the revival of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as evidence of Beijing’s continued commitment to bilateral ties.
He emphasized that certain strategic matters discussed during the visit would not be publicly disclosed but reiterated the strengthening of Pak-China friendship through high-level engagements.
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