Kabul's 'irresponsible, unwarranted' statement on Durand Line runs afoul of Islamabad

Published September 20, 2019
In this file photo, transit trucks stranded due to the border skirmishes between Pakistan and Afghanistan are parked on the side of the road leading to the border in Torkham, Pakistan, June 16, 2016. — Reuters/File
In this file photo, transit trucks stranded due to the border skirmishes between Pakistan and Afghanistan are parked on the side of the road leading to the border in Torkham, Pakistan, June 16, 2016. — Reuters/File

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has termed its Afghan counterpart's renewed refusal to recognise the international border between Afghanistan and Pakistan as "irresponsible and unwarranted".

The Afghan foreign ministry's statement, issued on Friday in response to the opening of the 24-hour Torkham crossing by Pakistan earlier in the week, emphasised that Kabul "does not recognise the Durand Line as an official border between the two countries".

The statement issued by the Foreign Office in response pointed out that the "Pakistan-Afghanistan border is an internationally recognised, official border between the two countries in accordance with all relevant international laws and conventions".

The statement further highlighted that Pakistan believes the 24/7 opening of the new Torkham crossing point to be a "significant step forward to facilitate the people and traders of both sides".

"Such statements only serve to undermine the resolve for peace and cooperation between the two countries and should be avoided," the FO regretted.

The Afghan foreign ministry statement had issued a muted acknowledgement of Pakistan's move to open the Torkham crossing.

"The Torkham crossing in order to further help patients and facilitate trade between the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan will operate round the clock," it said.

Prime Minister Imran Khan had formally inaugurated the border crossing on Wednesday.

"I consider this to be a very historic day," he had said, noting that trade with Afghanistan had jumped by 50 per cent alone in the period the border opening had been trialed for a 24/7 opening.

Opinion

Editorial

Judiciary’s SOS
Updated 28 Mar, 2024

Judiciary’s SOS

The ball is now in CJP Isa’s court, and he will feel pressure to take action.
Data protection
28 Mar, 2024

Data protection

WHAT do we want? Data protection laws. When do we want them? Immediately. Without delay, if we are to prevent ...
Selling humans
28 Mar, 2024

Selling humans

HUMAN traders feed off economic distress; they peddle promises of a better life to the impoverished who, mired in...
New terror wave
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

New terror wave

The time has come for decisive government action against militancy.
Development costs
27 Mar, 2024

Development costs

A HEFTY escalation of 30pc in the cost of ongoing federal development schemes is one of the many decisions where the...
Aitchison controversy
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

Aitchison controversy

It is hoped that higher authorities realise that politics and nepotism have no place in schools.