Pak-Afghan Relations: The Durand Line Issue

[The Durand Line remains a contentious issue in Pak-Afghan relations, since the birth of Pakistan in 1947. The people and various governments of Afghanistan have raised, from time to time, a number of questions on the acceptability of the Durand Line agreement, signed between British India and Afgha...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Policy perspectives (Islamabad) 2008-04, Vol.5 (2), p.87-102
Main Authors: Qassem, Ahmad Shayeq, Durand, H. M.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Customary international law
Government
Government relations
International agreements
International borders
International law
International relations
Parliaments
Rail lines
Treaties
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Summary:[The Durand Line remains a contentious issue in Pak-Afghan relations, since the birth of Pakistan in 1947. The people and various governments of Afghanistan have raised, from time to time, a number of questions on the acceptability of the Durand Line agreement, signed between British India and Afghanistan in 1893. The roots of the issue, besides other factors, however, lie in lack of proper information and misunderstanding of related documents. Historical documents signed, ratified and endorsed by successive Afghan regimes negate the claim that validity of agreement has expired. Research also proves the view of the Line being an imposed border as dubious. International law does not support the stand that the agreement is not enforceable in post-British period. Promoting better understanding of the issue among Afghan government, civil society and people may lay the foundation of warm relations between the two countries that both need. Pakistan government should also try to address the genuine apprehensions of Afghan brethren.]
ISSN:1812-1829
1812-7347