Senior Pakistani Politician Urges Caution and Dialogue on Contested Frontier
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In a bold and potentially controversial statement, Maulana Fazal ur Rehman, the leader of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) in Pakistan, has openly rejected the legitimacy of the Durand Line as an international border, aligning his stance with long-standing Afghan objections.
Speaking at a tribal gathering in Peshawar, Fazal ur Rehman criticized Islamabad’s claim that the Durand Line represents a recognized boundary between Pakistan and Afghanistan. He emphasized the need for mutual respect and restraint from both nations, warning against unilateral actions along the disputed frontier.
“Whoever calls the Durand Line a border is making a one-sided claim,” Rehman stated. “This is not acceptable to Afghanistan. I must stress — in this region, neither Pakistan nor Afghanistan should act unilaterally.”
Growing Political Tension
Rehman’s remarks come at a sensitive time when cross-border relations between the two countries remain tense, particularly over fencing, trade disruptions, and security concerns. His statement challenges the official position of the Pakistani government, which considers the Durand Line an internationally recognized boundary.
Some analysts argue that this could intensify internal political pressures within Pakistan.
“Fazal ur Rehman’s comments may generate political pressure on the Pakistani establishment,” said political analyst Saleem Paigir. “This might force the government to be more careful and responsive to Afghan sensitivities when shaping its border policy.”
A Long-Standing Dispute
The Durand Line, drawn in 1893 under British colonial rule, has never been formally recognized by any Afghan government — from monarchy to republic to the Islamic Emirate. It continues to be one of the most deeply rooted points of contention between Kabul and Islamabad.
“Pakistan has always claimed international recognition of this line,” said military analyst Kamran Aman. “But Afghans have never accepted it — no Afghan leader has ever had the political space or public support to concede it as a legal border.”
Over the years, disagreements over the Durand Line have fueled numerous border skirmishes, the closure of key crossings, and diplomatic breakdowns. The fencing project undertaken by Pakistan in recent years has further escalated tensions.
Symbol of Identity and Sovereignty
For many Afghans, the Durand Line is more than just a boundary issue. It represents colonial-era injustice and the forced division of ethnic Pashtun tribes. The emotional and cultural sensitivity surrounding it has prevented any serious dialogue or agreement for decades.
Fazal ur Rehman’s remarks have therefore resonated widely among Afghan audiences, who often view cross-border support for their position as a sign of regional solidarity.
What’s Next?
Whether these statements will translate into policy shifts or remain symbolic remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the Durand Line remains a volatile and unresolved flashpoint in South Asian geopolitics.
As border issues continue to affect trade, travel, and regional security, voices like that of Fazal ur Rehman could either spark new dialogue — or deepen existing divides.
For more updates on regional politics, border issues, and Afghan affairs, visit www.u.af.
