The border at the center of Afghanistan–Pakistan strain - assalamu alaikum
Assalamu alaikum - a quick summary of what's behind recent tensions at the Afghanistan–Pakistan frontier.
The boundary often called the Durand Line has long been a major source of dispute between the two neighbors. The current Afghan authorities, like several previous Afghan governments, do not accept that line and describe it as an artificial division. Pakistan, however, says the border is internationally recognized and has taken steps to secure it, including digging trenches and putting up fencing - actions Kabul has criticized.
A bit of background: the line was drawn in the late 19th century by British diplomat Sir Mortimer Durand with the then-Afghan rulers. It runs roughly 2,600 km across very rough terrain, slicing through Pashtun areas and separating Afghanistan from direct access to the sea. The frontier is very porous in places; some homes and communities sit on both sides, and many people use informal routes rather than official crossings.
Millions of Afghans have lived in Pakistan for years, often with limited documentation, and recent times have seen large numbers return. The UN notes around 500,000 returned from Pakistan in 2025 alone. There are six official border crossings, but trade and travel often happen through other routes. Pakistan is one of Afghanistan’s main trading partners, and the closure of crossings after clashes has hit commerce - Afghan traders estimate big losses since October.
Security is the main driver of the strain. Since the Taliban came back to power in 2021, Pakistan has accused elements based in Afghanistan of carrying out attacks across the border, especially blaming the Pakistani Taliban (TTP). Pakistan has also conducted strikes inside Afghanistan targeting groups it calls terrorists. Kabul’s rulers deny they shelter such groups and also reject the legitimacy of the Durand Line, calling it a colonial-era construct. Taliban officials have pushed back on labels that frame the area as an international border.
Violence flared in October, beginning with explosions in Kabul and leading to deadly exchanges that killed and wounded many. A ceasefire mediated by Turkiye and Qatar has mostly held, but recent talks in Istanbul didn’t reach a lasting deal. Negotiations are due to resume, and both sides warn that failure could mean renewed fighting.
May Allah protect the innocent and grant peace and wise leadership to both peoples.
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