When the Taliban took control of Kabul in August 2021, no neighbouring country appeared happier than Pakistan. At the time, Pakistan’s then Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed even held what he described as a “victory” press conference at the Torkham border crossing and became one of the first leaders to speak about recognising the Taliban government.
Pakistan was then led by Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is now in jail. Back then, many believed Pakistan and the Taliban would remain close allies for years.
Pakistan hoped the Taliban-led Afghanistan would become a friendly neighbour and support its strategic interests in the region, especially against India. However, those expectations did not last long. Within just a few years, relations between the two sides deteriorated sharply. Today, border clashes, airstrikes and military tensions have become increasingly common. So, what caused the relationship to break down?
What Is the Durand Line?
The biggest reason behind the tensions is a disputed border known as the Durand Line. The Durand Line is a 2,670-kilometre border between Pakistan and Afghanistan. It stretches from China’s border in the north to Iran in the south.
The border was created in 1893 under an agreement between British official Sir Henry Mortimer Durand and Afghan ruler Amir Abdur Rahman Khan.
At the time, British India wanted Afghanistan to act as a buffer state against the expanding Russian Empire. As part of its colonial policy, Britain drew the Durand Line to define the frontier.
After the partition of British India in 1947, the line became the international border between Pakistan and Afghanistan. However, Afghanistan has never fully accepted it as a legitimate border.
How the Durand Line Divided the Pashtuns
The Durand Line had the biggest impact on the Pashtun community. Pashtuns are the largest ethnic group in Afghanistan and also live in large numbers in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces.
The border split Pashtun tribes, families and villages into two countries. Before the border was enforced, many families could move freely across the region. Today, the border separates communities that once lived together.
Many Pashtuns believe the British deliberately drew the line through Pashtun-majority areas to weaken them politically and socially.
The Taliban’s Stand on the Border
Since returning to power in 2021, the Taliban has taken a strong position against the Durand Line. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid has repeatedly opposed Pakistan’s decision to build fencing along the border.
According to the Taliban, the fence separates families and creates more conflict instead of improving security. The group does not recognise the Durand Line as Afghanistan’s official border and argues that it unfairly divides Pashtun land. Pakistan, however, says the fencing is necessary to stop terrorism, illegal crossings and smuggling.
How the Rivalry Began
The dispute dates back to British rule but became much more serious after Pakistan was created in 1947. When Pakistan became independent, Afghanistan objected to the Durand Line while recognising the new country. Since then, the two neighbours have witnessed repeated border disputes, armed clashes and diplomatic tensions.
Pakistan has often accused Afghanistan of allowing militant groups to operate from its territory and launch attacks across the border.
On the other hand, Afghanistan has accused Pakistan of mistreating Pashtuns and carrying out military operations along the border. The Taliban also sees several Pakistani military operations as actions targeting the Pashtun community, further increasing mistrust between both sides.
What Are the Current Relations?
Even with the Taliban in power, tensions remain high. Pakistan continues to strengthen security along the Durand Line by building fences and military posts. The Taliban regularly opposes these measures, leading to repeated border incidents.
The dispute has also affected trade, travel and security cooperation between the two countries. Border crossings are frequently disrupted, and diplomatic relations often become strained after clashes.
Why the Durand Line Still Matters
The Durand Line is much more than just a border. It is a colonial-era boundary that divided one ethnic community into two countries.
For many Pashtuns, it remains a symbol of historical injustice. For Pakistan, it is an internationally recognised border that is essential for national security.
This disagreement remains the biggest reason for the distrust between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Unless both sides find a way to address the historical dispute and the concerns of the Pashtun people, lasting peace along the border will remain difficult.
The Durand Line continues to shape one of South Asia’s longest-running and most complicated regional disputes.
First published on: Jun 29, 2026 04:48 PM IST
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