Taliban Defense Minister: Pakistan Seeks Recognition of Durand Line as Official Border

The Defense Minister of the Taliban administration says Pakistan is seeking formal recognition of the Durand Line as the official border between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid made the remarks in an exclusive interview with TOLOnews, stating that Pakistan is attempting to have the Durand Line recognized as a legitimate international boundary. “Pakistan wants the so-called Durand Line to be recognized as an official border,” he said. “We told them that this is a historical issue which neither the current government nor previous governments have been able to resolve, and it should not become a cause for escalating tensions.” Referring to recent clashes between forces of the Taliban administration and Pakistan, Mujahid warned that any attacks by Pakistan against Afghanistan would be met with a response. “All attacks by Pakistan against Afghanistan will be answered by the Islamic Emirate,” he said. “If Kabul becomes insecure, Islamabad will also face insecurity.” The Durand Line dispute has long been a sensitive issue in relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan and remains a source of political tension between the two countries.