Afghanistan-Pakistan Relations Overshadowed by the Durand Line

Year 2025, Volume: 9 Issue: 2, 73 - 92, 31.12.2025

Tayfun Arslan

Abstract

International borders are an integral part of the modern nation-state system, both as geographic lines and as complex social and political constructs that reflect power dynamics and impact global peace and security. The Durand Line (1893) between Afghanistan and Pakistan remains one of the most enduring and contentious borders in the world. In its "arbitrary" nature, the border symbolizes the complex legacy of colonialism, imperial rivalry, and ethnic divisions. Afghanistan's persistent claims on the legitimacy of the border, the demand of "Pashtunistan", and border skirmishes, cross-border militancy, and insurgency exist as significant sources of problems to resolve between the neighbouring countries. This study aims to analyze the Durand Line by exploring its historical background and major related issues from diverse viewpoints.

Keywords

Afghanistan , Pakistan , The Durand Line , Border Disputes

Durand Hattı Gölgesinde Afganistan-Pakistan İlişkileri

Abstract

Uluslararası sınırlar, hem fiziki sınırlar hem de güç dinamiklerini yansıtan, küresel barış ve güvenliği etkileyen karmaşık sosyal ve politik yapılar olarak modern ulus devlet sisteminin ayrılmaz bir parçasıdır. Afganistan ve Pakistan arasındaki Durand Hattı (1893), dünyanın en uzun süreli ve tartışmalı sınırlarından biri olmaya devam etmektedir. Sınırın "keyfi" niteliği sömürgeciliğin, emperyal rekabetin ve etnik bölünmelerin karmaşık mirasını sembolize etmektedir. Afganistan'ın sınırın meşruiyetine ilişkin süregelen ısrarlı iddiaları, "Peştunistan" talebi, sınır çatışmaları, sınır ötesi militan ve isyancı faaliyetler, komşu devletlerarasında çözülmesi gereken temel sorun kaynakları olarak varlığını sürdürmektedir. Bu çalışma, Durand Hattı'nı tarihsel arka planı ve başlıca ilgili sorunları çeşitli bakış açılarından inceleyerek analiz etmeyi amaçlamaktadır.

Keywords

Afganistan , Pakistan , Durand Hattı , Sınır Sorunları

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