Policy Brief 04/12/2024
The Durand Line is a 2,640 km (1,640 miles) international boundary separating Pakistan and Afghanistan in South Asia. This border has not only shaped the geopolitical landscape of South Asia but has also led to enduring tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan. The historical backdrop of the Durand Line is crucial for understanding the complexities of current relations, as Afghanistan’s refusal to recognize this boundary stems from claims that it was imposed under duress and lacks legitimacy. The claim that the Durand Line is not an established international border is invalid under international law, as treaties entered into by predecessor states are binding on successor states unless explicitly annulled. This principle underscores Pakistan’s position that it is legally entitled to uphold the Durand Line as an international border. Moreover, various United Nations Security Council resolutions have reinforced this legal framework, recognizing the Durand Line as a legitimate boundary.
