Pakistani Opposition Leader Says Durand Line Could Become ‘Just a Line on Paper’
Mahmood Khan Achakzai, leader of the opposition in Pakistan’s National Assembly and head of the Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party, has stated that if capable leadership is in power, people could move freely across the Durand Line. He emphasized that this border could turn into merely a ‘line on paper,’ without the current strict restrictions.
In a podcast, Achakzai cited the experience of European countries, noting that despite historical wars among Russia, Germany, and the United Kingdom, they now have more open borders, with only a symbolic line remaining between them. He suggested that such a model could be implemented in the region as well.
The Pakistani politician stressed, ‘What is the problem? A Punjabi can dance in Kandahar and a Pashtun can come here. Although we may not apparently be one country, in practice we can be like one.’ The Durand Line, drawn in the late 19th century between Afghanistan and British India, has always been a sensitive political and historical issue in Kabul-Islamabad relations.
Achakzai also referred to the invasions of Afghanistan by the former Soviet Union and the United States, stating that Afghanistan has the right to claim reparations from these countries for war damages and reconstruction.
In another part of his speech, he criticized the Pakistani government’s treatment of Pashtuns, alleging that in some cities such as Lahore and Karachi, some Pashtuns are detained or expelled.
