Tracing the Durand Line: Assessing the International Border between Pakistan and Afghanistan

Abstract

The Durand Line, marking the international border between Pakistan and Afghanistan, was established in 1893 through an agreement between the British Indian government and Afghanistan’s ruler, Amir Abdur Rahman Khan. Its purpose was to define spheres of influence and maintain stability in a complex region. The agreement was later confirmed in 1905, 1919, and 1930 by successive Afghan rulers, which reinforced its legal and administrative validity. Despite this, after Pakistan gained independence in 1947, Afghanistan began to challenge the legitimacy of the Durand Line. Afghanistan argued that territories west of the line, reaching up to the Indus River, had historically been part of its empire and therefore should remain under Afghan sovereignty. These claims were frequently raised in international discussions, with Afghanistan suggesting that the agreement no longer held after the end of British rule. Pakistan has consistently rejected these claims, asserting that the Durand Line remains a recognised international border. The government stresses that historical treaties, supported by decades of administrative practice, confirm its status. Beyond legal arguments, the dispute carries human and social dimensions, as the line divides Pashtun communities across both sides, creating challenges for local populations and regional security.This research paper aims to explore the Durand Line in depth, examining its historical origins, legal standing, and political implications. By reviewing archival treaties, official confirmations, and the perspectives of both Pakistan and Afghanistan, the study seeks to provide a balanced, evidence-based understanding. The goal is to clarify whether the Durand Line can be regarded as the established international frontier or if Afghanistan’s objections have historical and legal weight. In doing so, the paper attempts to present not just a legal analysis but also the human and regional realities tied to this longstanding border dispute.