WASHINGTON, Aug 13: A US law that links aid to Pakistan to its performance in the war against terrorists also calls for renegotiating the Pakistan-Afghan border. The law – Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 – was adopted by both chambers of the US Congress on July 26 and 27 and on Aug 3, President George W. Bush signed it into a law.

The US government is advised also to urge “the government of Afghanistan to enter into a political dialogue with Pakistan with respect to all issues relating to the border between the two countries, with the aim of establishing a mutually-recognised and monitored border, open to human and economic exchange, and with both countries fully responsible for border security.”

The suggestion apparently aims at regulating cross-border movement but can also reopen the old debate involving the 1893 Durand Line, which marks 2,640 kilometre (1,610 mile) border between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

There are two separate sections on Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia as well, setting out guidelines for closer US relations with those countries.