Pashtun Claims Over Durand Line Stir Regional Tensions
If the Pashtuns do not accept the Durand Line, it is because millions of Pashtuns live beyond it. These millions, if united with the Pashtuns of Afghanistan, would form an absolute and uncontrollable majority.
During the republican government period, the Taliban fought alongside their compatriots with the human and logistical support of Pashtuns from beyond the Durand Line. Currently, they face difficulties with Islamabad over support for the same groups.
Pakistan desires to maintain religious authority over the Pashtuns of Pakistan in Kandahar, hoping that by controlling the religious leaders issuing fatwas in Kandahar, it can also control them. However, it has never desired a unified political geography for the Pashtuns.
The removal of the Durand Line border would undoubtedly increase the capacities of the Pashtuns and the Taliban, but it would bring no benefits to the other inhabitants of Afghanistan.
Even now, with the Durand Line recognized as the official border between the two countries, the Taliban have brought thousands of Pashtuns from beyond the line into Afghanistan and settled them, for instance, along the Qush Tappeh canal and the fertile lands of northern provinces to alter the demographic structure. If the border line were removed and the Pashtun population were to increase suddenly by millions, what fate would await the native and original residents of Afghanistan?
Recognizing the Durand Line—including the annexation of some Pashtun areas to Pakistan—is not something opposed by non-Pashtuns.
This situation is the result of the Pashtuns’ greed and exclusivism. Therefore, they should not adopt a demanding stance.
