Experts Warn of Rising Human Trafficking Along the Durand Line Border
Migration experts warn that strict policies along the Durand Line, the de facto border between Afghanistan and Pakistan, have driven thousands of Afghan citizens toward deadly human trafficking routes. These routes, they say, pose increasing threats to the safety and lives of the people.
The Durand Line stretches about 2,600 kilometers and is effectively recognized as the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Its vast expanse and lack of effective monitoring have made it a hotspot for human trafficking networks that exploit official restrictions.
According to experts, urgent needs such as medical treatment, family visits, trade, employment, and asylum compel people to cross the border. They emphasize that completely sealing the border will not eliminate these needs but rather encourage illegal crossings.
One migration expert stated that establishing a legal visa system alongside biometric registration and identity documentation would provide a safer and more controllable alternative to untracked illegal crossings. He noted that even with extensive resources, the European Union has been unable to completely curb human trafficking, making the total closure of such a long and complex border unrealistic.
Human rights activists and experts have urged the Pakistani government to implement a balanced and managed policy for visa issuance and border control. Such an approach, they say, would protect national interests and security while enabling lawful movement and safeguarding Afghan citizens, as well as preventing the strengthening of trafficking networks.
