Full Control Over Borders; Interim Government Emphasizes Confronting “Imaginary Lines” and Aggressors

DIDPress: In a meeting chaired by Mohammad Yaqub Mujahid, acting Minister of Defense, the group’s security officials stressed full control over Afghanistan’s borders and confronting what they called “imaginary lines.”

The meeting-held within the framework of the Central Commission for Security and Clearance Affairs-reviewed the general security situation of the country, especially focusing on official and disputed border areas.

According to a statement from the interim government’s Ministry of Defense, participants emphasized establishing full control over border regions, taking firm action against any intrusion, and strengthening border coordination among relevant agencies.

The interim government speaks of strengthening border security at a time when official reports indicate nearly 50 border clashes over the past four years between this group and neighboring countries including Pakistan, Iran, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Most of these clashes have been with Pakistan, a country with which Afghanistan has a longstanding border dispute over the Durand Line.

The Durand Line, drawn by Britain in 1893, is not recognized by the interim government as the official border between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Amir Khan Muttaqi, the interim government’s Foreign Minister, has previously emphasized that the group neither has the ability nor the willingness to recognize this line.

Meanwhile, ongoing border tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan have not only raised regional concerns but have also repeatedly led to the closure of key crossings such as Torkham — a crucial gateway for trade and economic exchanges between the two countries. Its closure has costed traders millions of dollars.

Alongside these developments, work on the Wakhan Economic Corridor is also reportedly underway.