A Boarder Seeking Peace
Ali Said
Islamabad: The Pakistan-Afghanistan border, officially known as the Durand Line, stretches approximately 2,640 km and separates Pakistan and Afghanistan. Pakistan considers the Durand Line an international border, while Afghanistan continues to reject this position.
This disagreement has contributed to ongoing tensions between the two countries. The root cause of these tensions is linked to the Taliban government and its policies, while alleged Indian interference remains another major concern.
As Robert Frost wrote, “Something there is that doesn’t love a wall.”
Due to cross-border militancy, Pakistan is facing security challenges, trade disruptions, migration issues, and educational difficulties. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is also among the major projects affected by regional instability, including threats from militant groups and alleged proxy activities.
Therefore, resolving border disputes through dialogue rather than conflict is essential to bring stability, peace, and continuous trade opportunities to the region. The Durand Line should be transformed into a line of friendship rather than division.
Cross-border militancy and attacks by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) have been major causes of security concerns within Pakistan. Pakistan claims that the Taliban government in Afghanistan provides safe havens to TTP militants. However, Afghanistan has officially referred to TTP as a jihadist group, while Pakistan describes it as Fitnah al-Khawarij.
On August 3, during a peace protest, a terrorist attack targeted civilians and a police station, resulting in at least 14 deaths. Later, TTP claimed responsibility for the attack. This raises questions about how such groups justify attacks on innocent people, Muslims, neighbors, and communities with shared cultural and historical ties.
Therefore, Pakistan argues that such organizations should be recognized as extremist groups that misuse the name of Islam to justify violence.
Similarly, the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has carried out attacks in Balochistan, targeting railway tracks, civilians, and security installations in an attempt to destabilize peace in the province and across the country.
The question remains: how do these organizations operate, and from where do they obtain financial support? Pakistan’s leadership has accused groups such as TTP and BLA of being foreign-sponsored terrorist proxies (Army Chief Asim Munir). During Doha talks, Afghanistan reportedly refused to take action against TTP (Ministry of Foreign Affairs).
Taliban-related terrorism has pushed Pakistan into both international and domestic crises. Following the Soviet and US interventions in Afghanistan, Afghan refugees migrated to Pakistan and settled in different areas.
Over time, some entered street businesses and markets, while security challenges continued to grow. Cross-border militant attacks and bombings have compelled Pakistan to enhance security measures, strengthen border management, and improve intelligence coordination (United Nations Security Council [UNSC], 2024; United States Institute of Peace [USIP], 2024).
Bilateral trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan has also been affected. Local communities have suffered due to economic difficulties, and such conditions have contributed to the emergence of resistance groups in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.
Foreign investors have shown uncertainty due to instability, which may also affect investment opportunities in Central Asia.
Many argue that Pakistan should continue economic engagement and trade with Afghanistan, which remains a major concern for regional stability. Pakistan has repeatedly supported peace through dialogue, including its efforts to facilitate discussions during international conflicts. However, Kabul must provide assurances to Islamabad that Afghan territory will not be used against Pakistan.
Pakistan should conduct consultations with tribal elders, religious scholars, political leaders, retired officials, business communities, and civil society representatives. Vacant border areas should be developed with additional security checkpoints, and biometric systems should be introduced to monitor traders and civilians crossing the border.
Pakistan should also utilize multilateral forums involving countries such as China, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia to support peace efforts. Signing a comprehensive peace treaty could also be a significant step forward.
Instead of relying solely on military operations, Pakistan should focus on long-term economic cooperation and expand bilateral trade with Afghanistan to strengthen regional relations.
In conclusion, Pakistan shares its longest border with Afghanistan. While Pakistan considers the Durand Line a recognized international border and a potential line of friendship, Afghanistan continues to dispute this position.
The activities of militant groups and regional tensions have negatively affected trade, security, and the daily lives of civilians. The most sustainable solution lies in continuous dialogue, cooperation, and mutual respect between both countries to establish lasting peace and stability in the region.
Ali Said is a BS student at the International Islamic University Islamabad.
The article is the writer’s opinion, it may or may not adhere to the organization’s editorial policy.
