Pakhtunkhwa Leader Warns of Lasting Consequences Over Pakistan’s Treatment of Afghans
Mahmood Khan Achakzai, leader of the Pakhtunkhwa Awami National Party, has warned that Pakistan’s treatment of Afghan nationals could lead to the destruction of bilateral relations and the emergence of permanent hostility between the two countries. He emphasized that continuing this situation benefits neither side and will result in long-term political and social consequences.
Achakzai made these remarks during a session of the Pakistani Parliament, calling for the formulation of a clear and effective policy governing relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan. According to him, the relationship between the two countries should be based on economic cooperation, cultural interactions, and humanitarian considerations to prevent further tensions.
The Pakhtunkhwa Awami National Party leader also pointed to the economic repercussions of road closures along the disputed Durand Line. He stated that the blockade of crossings has caused significant financial losses to farmers in Punjab province and posed serious challenges to trade and movement across the border.
The Durand Line, which is not officially recognized by Afghanistan, has long been a point of tension between Kabul and Islamabad. The closure of border crossings in these areas typically directly affects local trade, the livelihoods of residents, and people-to-people relations between the two countries.
