Implications of the Durand Line Dispute on Disagreements Between Afghanistan and Pakistan

Abstract

The objective of the present work is to provide an analysis of the status and implications of the Durand Line dispute between Afghanistan and Pakistan for the relations between the two countries, particularly in the post-2001 period. This thesis argues, based on existing and original research, that an important element of the Afghanistan-Pakistan relations is the disagreement over their mutual border; and this disagreement has the capacity to lead to variety of further problems and complications, some of which are very obvious already – such as insurgency safe havens and smuggling. The findings of the present work suggest that the basis of the dispute over the Durand Line is the fact that the line has separated people of same ethnic groups of Pashtuns on both sides of the border. Therefore, the issue is of high sensitivity among Pashtuns in Afghanistan. Moreover, the research reveals that the issue is perceived differently by the Pashtun and non-Pashtun Afghans, in a way that Pashtuns are supporting the claims by Afghanistan over the Durand Line while the non-Pashtuns are against any dispute over the issue and suggest the recognition of Durand Line by Afghanistan. However, due to sensitivity of issue, no one can openly and officially suggest recognition of the line. Furthermore, findings of the present work suggest that considering the position of both Afghanistan and Pakistan, no settlement of the dispute in the short run is probable and if there is solution, it will take a long time. Overall, the findings of the present work suggest that recognition of the Durand Line by Afghanistan is the only possible eventual solution for the dispute, however, it should be noted that the recognition process should be based on a practical mechanism and involvement of the people of the border region is imperative in order to reach a permanent solution.