Zarif Aminyar
The Durand Line Agreement remains one of the most enduring and controversial boundary issues in South Asian geopolitics. Established in 1893 between Mortimer Durand and Abdur Rahman Khan, the line was originally intended to define spheres of influence between British India and Afghanistan during a period of intense imperial rivalry known as the “Great Game.” Over time, however, it evolved into the de facto border between Afghanistan and Pakistan, despite Afghanistan’s consistent refusal to formally recognize it since 1947.
Unlike many international boundaries, the Durand Line is not simply a geographic division but a product of British colonial strategy, shaped by geopolitical considerations rather than mutual agreement between equal states. As a result, it continues to generate political tension and legal debate. While international law often prioritizes the stability of borders through doctrines such as state succession and territorial continuity, the Durand Line presents a unique case where historical context, legal interpretation, and political reality remain deeply contested. In this article I explore the Durand Line through a critical Afghan perspective, examining the historical circumstances of its creation and the legal arguments surrounding its status.
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