ISLAMIC EMIRATE AND THE FENCING OF THE DURAND LINE

Abstract

This study investigates the Taliban government’s stance regarding Pakistan’s policy of border management and securitization of the Durand Line. Taking fencing as one of the main issues of contention between Pakistan and Afghanistan, the study aims to examine the Taliban governmetn’s reaction to fencing and securitization of the border, their understanding of the same and future actions related to fencing of the Durand Line. Given the Taliban’s ascent to power, it is imperative to investigate their position as it holds strong implications for their policy towards Pakistan as well as influencing the larger impacts of the bilateral relationship between the two countries. The study adopts a qualitative approach, taking help from both primary and secondary sources. The primary data is collected through 32 in-depth interviews and two main focus group discussions from five different groups of people, including journalists and the Taliban officials. The collected data was then thematically analyzed and presented. The study’s findings reveal the Taliban are sharing a similar stance in line with the previous Afghan government, albeit with minor differences to justify their stance.  They have strong reservations about Pakistani government’s fortification of the border in the name of securitization and the Durand Line as an official demarcation between the two countries. However, the study also found that the Taliban would be open to negotiation with the Pakistan government with an emphasis on border management based on mutual consent