Article 3: Durand Line 

Why in news: For the second time in six months, Pakistan and Afghanistan engaged in intense clashes, marked by deep airstrikes into Kabul and Kandahar and retaliatory attacks across the Durand Line, signalling dangerous escalation beyond routine skirmishes.

Key Details

• The Durand Line is a 2,640 km border between Afghanistan and Pakistan, drawn in 1893.
• It was negotiated by Sir Mortimer Durand with Abdur Rahman Khan to define spheres of influence between British India and Afghanistan.
• The line divided Pashtun tribal regions, creating long-standing ethnic and political tensions.
• After 1947, Pakistan recognized it as the official international border, while Afghanistan has historically disputed its legitimacy.
• It remains strategically significant due to border security, militancy, fencing disputes, and regional geopolitics, especially after the return of the Taliban.

About

• The Durand Line forms the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
• Drawn in 1893 under British colonial administration.
• Length: Approximately 2,640 km.
• Cuts across ethnic, tribal and mountainous regions.

Origin and Agreement (1893)

• Negotiated by Sir Mortimer Durand.
• Signed with Abdur Rahman Khan.
• Objective: Define the boundary between British India and Afghanistan.
• Intended as a strategic buffer against expanding Russian influence in Central Asia (Great Game context).
• Initially meant to demarcate spheres of influence, not necessarily a permanent international border.

Ethnic and Social Impact

• Divided the Pashtun population into two parts.
• Separated tribes such as Afridis, Wazirs, and Mohmands.
• Created long-term identity and nationalist issues (Pashtunistan demand).
• Traditional tribal movement continued despite political division.

Post-1947 Developments

• After the creation of Pakistan in 1947, the line became the Pakistan–Afghanistan border.
• Afghanistan was the only country to oppose Pakistan’s admission to the United Nations (1947).
• Afghanistan questioned the validity of the agreement after British withdrawal.
• Issue linked with the idea of an independent “Pashtunistan.”

Legal and Diplomatic Dimensions

• Pakistan argues the agreement was legally binding and inherited under the principle of state succession.
• Afghanistan claims the agreement lapsed with the end of British rule.
• Most international actors recognize the Durand Line as the de facto border.
• Periodic border clashes occur due to disputes over demarcation and fencing.

Security Concerns

• Historically porous border enabled cross-border militancy.
• Region became significant during the Soviet–Afghan War (1979–89).
• Played a crucial role during the U.S. intervention post-9/11.
• Relevance increased after the return of the Taliban in 2021.

Geostrategic Importance

• Acts as a gateway between South Asia and Central Asia.
• Includes strategic passes like the Khyber Pass.
• Influences regional connectivity projects such as CPEC (China–Pakistan Economic Corridor).
• Important for trade, transit, and military logistics.

Recent Developments

• Pakistan has undertaken large-scale border fencing to regulate movement.
• Taliban authorities have objected to fencing in certain sectors.
• Periodic tensions affect diplomatic and trade relations.

Conclusion

• The Durand Line remains a colonial legacy dispute.
• It combines issues of ethnicity, sovereignty, security, and geopolitics.
• Its resolution (or management) is crucial for long-term stability in the Afghanistan–Pakistan region.

EXPECTED QUESTION FOR PRELIMS:

The Durand Line agreement was signed between Amir Abdur Rahman Khan and:

1. Lord Curzon
2. Lord Ripon
3. Sir Mortimer Durand
4. Lord Mountbatten

Answer: c