MCQ Detailed View

The border between Pakistan and Afghanistan is called the Durand Line. It is one of the most important and historically significant boundaries in South Asia. The total length of the Durand Line is approximately 2,640 kilometers, and it passes through mountainous regions, tribal areas, and difficult terrain.

The Durand Line was established in 1893 as a result of an agreement between Sir Mortimer Durand, a British diplomat representing British India, and Amir Abdur Rahman Khan, the ruler of Afghanistan. The British wanted a clearly defined border to secure their northwestern frontier and limit Russian influence during the time of the "Great Game" — a political rivalry between the British and Russian empires.

This agreement created a boundary between British India and Afghanistan, but it later became the official border between Pakistan and Afghanistan after Pakistan gained independence in 1947.

Important facts about the Durand Line:
- Name: Durand Line
- Length: Around 2,640 km (1,640 miles)
- Established: In 1893 through the Durand Agreement
- Parties involved: British India and Afghanistan
- Current relevance: Divides Pakistan from Afghanistan

Even today, the Durand Line remains a topic of debate. The Afghan government has never officially recognized the Durand Line as an international border. On the other hand, Pakistan considers it its official and legal boundary with Afghanistan.

This border passes through the provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, and it affects the lives of many Pashtun tribal communities who live on both sides. The region is also strategically important for trade, security, and border management.

Understanding the Durand Line is crucial for students of Pakistan Studies, history, and geography. It also helps in understanding modern regional politics, cross-border relations, and historical British policies in South Asia.