The Durand Line is a demarcation line that serves as the international border between Afghanistan and Indian (POK). It was established in 1893 by Sir Mortimer Durand, a British diplomat, during negotiations between the British Raj (India) and the Emirate of Afghanistan. The purpose of the Durand Line was to define the limits of British India’s territorial influence in the region and secure British strategic interests.
The Line stretches for approximately 2,640 kilometers long extending from the tri-point of Afghanistan, India, and Chin The line traverses diverse terrain, including mountains, deserts, and plains.
The border created by the line has been a subject of ongoing political and territorial disputes between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Afghanistan has never officially recognized the Durand Line as an international border and claims that it was imposed on them without their consent. Some ethnic Pashtuns, who reside on both sides of the border, consider the Durand Line to be an artificial divide that separates Pashtun tribes.
The territorial disagreements surrounding the line have resulted in periodic tensions and border skirmishes between Afghanistan and Pakistan. The porous nature of the border has also allowed for cross-border movement of people, goods, and illicit activities, presenting challenges for both countries in terms of border management and security.
It is worth noting that the status and significance of the Durand Line remain a complex and sensitive issue, with ongoing diplomatic discussions and regional dynamics shaping the perceptions and positions of Afghanistan, Pakistan, and other stakeholders involved in the region.
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