The Durand Line, which was determined by the British in the past, has been a source of dispute between Afghanistan and Pakistan for many years. There is no agreement between the two countries on the border line dividing the Pashtuns. For this reason, conflicts occur from time to time. However, the Taliban has also been reacting to Pakistan’s border fencing activities, citing threats to national security. Border problems therefore lead to strained relations and violent incidents.
The conflict that took place on December 11, 2022 is one of those incidents. The clashes, which left seven people dead and 30 wounded, revealed the current state of Afghanistan-Pakistan border problems.[1] On December 15, 2022, authorities in Pakistan announced that Taliban forces had carried out a new cross-border artillery bombardment against civilian targets.[2] The opening of fire near the Chaman border crossing negatively affected activities and trade at the border.
Developments on border issues are decisive in shaping both parties’ policies towards one another. In fact, on December 18, 2022, Islamabad sent a delegation to Afghanistan to discuss the problems. However, the closure of border gates between the two countries, the developments between the terrorist organization Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Islamabad, and the work of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who has called for early elections against the current administration, are also reflected in the Afghanistan-Pakistan border issue.
Border disputes pit the Afghan and Pakistani governments against each other and relations between the two sides remain tense for this reason. Due to the recent clashes, the Chaman border crossing between the two countries was closed, but reopened shortly afterwards. The Chaman-Spin-Boldak border was previously closed due to similar clashes. Located approximately 120 km (74 miles) northwest of Ketta, the capital of Balochistan Province in southwest Pakistan, Chaman border crossing is one of the busiest crossing points between the two countries.[3] The fact that it cannot be kept closed for a long time reveals the density and importance of this border crossing. At the same time, it can also be said that this development sets an example for initiatives to solve problems.
The harmonious and positive course of Taliban-Pakistan relations is important not only for the parties but also for the regional balance. So, both administrations are in favor of not letting the problems escalate too much. The opening of the border crossing in a short time and Pakistan sending a delegation of mullahs to Afghanistan to discuss border conflicts are also evaluated in this context.
It seems that the religious orientation of the Taliban led Pakistan to send a delegation of mullahs. Thus, it was thought that a progress would be made towards reconciliation. It can be said that Islamabad is trying to find a solution and is trying to reconcile with the Taliban.
Afghanistan’s dispute with Pakistan also led India to take a more active stance. Recognizing this, Islamabad is trying to reconcile with the Taliban. This is because the border dispute causes different disagreements between the parties.
One of these challenges can be seen in the ceasefire discussions between Islamabad and the terrorist organization TTP. The fact that TTP broke the ceasefire and continued its attacks has an impact on the border issue. This is also reflected in Taliban-Islamabad relations. Visits were made to Afghanistan to discuss the issue; however, no results were obtained. After the latest round of talks, the resumption of negotiations under the mediation of the Taliban is on the agenda. Muhammad Ali Saif, the spokesperson for the Governor of Khyber Pahtunhwa, reported that negotiations resumed on 19 December 2022 following the attack on the anti-terrorism police headquarters in Bannu region.[4] Border tensions appear to be running parallel to the TTP-Islamabad negotiations.
On the other hand, there has been a recent increase in violence in Pakistan. In Balochistan province, for example, some stirrings are observed. It can also be said that the trend of violence has increased in the Khyber Pahtunhwa region. Recently, there was an attack on the Bargai Police Station. At the same time, although a renegotiation process is mentioned, the activities of TTP have increased. This situation raises concerns about the perception of security in the country.
There are estimates that attacks and terrorist activities will increase even more in the winter. In particular, it is emphasized that the western borders should be tightened, and that attacks in this region may grow.[5] As a matter of fact, the country is facing more and more serious security problems every day.
Considering that the tendency of violence in the country has increased, it is possible to say that the attacks will continue. On the other hand, the so-called Khorasan Province (ISKP) of the terrorist organization Islamic State of Iraq and Syria can be expected to intensify its attacks in Pakistan, given the Taliban and the actors it communicates with. Stirrings may also occur in the Balochistan region during the turmoil. Apart from certain known areas, reports of attacks or violence may also be received from other places. Therefore, it can be stated that the border problems with Afghanistan affect many areas from Pakistan’s domestic politics to national security. India-Pakistan rivalry and New Delhi’s Afghanistan policy are also affected by these dynamics.
All these effects are factors that the parties are also aware of. As a result, it was suggested that dialogue and consultation would be favored to resolve border issues. Therefore, on December 20, 2022, the parties announced their agreement to resolve the issues through dialogues and bilateral contacts.[6]
All in all, Afghanistan-Pakistan border conflicts have an impact on many issues between the parties. However, both sides are avoiding major negativities and seek solutions. Pakistan’s dispatch of a delegation to Afghanistan and the Taliban’s intention to continue its role as mediator between the TTP and Islamabad indicate a mutual desire to avoid escalation. The problems faced by both administrations in domestic politics enable them to act in a more moderate manner on border disputes. However, this does not mean that border problems can be easily solved. This is because border clashes have become a routine for the parties.
[1]“Fresh Border Clashes Between Pakistan, Afghanistan’s Taliban”, VOA News, https://www.voanews.com/a/fresh-border-clashes-between-pakistan-afghanistan-s-taliban-/6878079.html, (Date of Accession: 20.12.2022).
[2]“Fresh Border Clashes Between Pakistan, Afghanistan’s Taliban”, Voa News, https://www.voanews.com/a/fresh-border-clashes-between-pakistan-afghanistan-s-taliban-/6878079.html, (Date of Accession: 20.12.2022).
[3]“Pakistan-Afghanistan Border Reopens After deadly Firing”, Al Jazeera, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/12/13/pakistan-afghanistan-border-crossing-reopens-after-deadly-firing, (Date of Accession: 20.12.2022).
[4]مذاکرات اردوی پاکستان و تحریک طالبان پاکستانی به وساطت طالبان افغان از سرگرفته شد“, Azadi Radio, https://da.azadiradio.com/a/32183827.html, (Date of Accession: 20.12.2022).
[5]“Pakistan May Witness Rise in Terror Attacks from Western Frontiers During Winters”, The Print, https://theprint.in/world/pakistan-may-witness-rise-in-terror-attacks-from-western-frontiers-during-winters/1272268/, (Date of Accession: 20.12.2022).
[6]“Pakistan, Afghanistan Agree to Resolve Border Issues”, Geo, https://www.geo.tv/latest/459854-pak-afghan-authorities-agree-to-amicably-resolve-border-issues, (Date of Accession: 21.12.2022).
