MCQ Detailed View

The Durand Line agreement was signed on behalf of British India by Henry Mortimer Durand in the year 1893. He was a senior British diplomat and civil servant who was sent to negotiate with Afghanistan regarding the border issue. At that time, the British Empire wanted to clearly define its northwestern frontier to secure its Indian colony from any possible external threats, especially from Russian influence.

Henry Mortimer Durand represented the British Indian government and met with Amir Abdur Rahman Khan, the ruler of Afghanistan, to finalize the agreement. The result was a formal understanding that created a boundary between British India and Afghanistan, which later became known as the Durand Line.

Important Facts About the Signer and the Agreement:
- Signed in: 1893
- British representative: Sir Henry Mortimer Durand
- Afghan ruler: Amir Abdur Rahman Khan
- Purpose: To define the limits of British India’s northwestern border
- Legacy: This line became the international boundary between Pakistan and Afghanistan after 1947

Durand was not only a diplomat but also a skilled negotiator. He played a key role in drawing the map that divided the tribal regions. His name has since been permanently attached to this historically significant boundary.

Even today, the Durand Line remains a subject of political and ethnic debate. Afghanistan has never officially recognized it as a legal international border, although it is considered Pakistan’s western boundary.

Understanding who signed the Durand Line agreement is important for students of Pakistan Studies, history, and international relations. It helps explain the colonial-era policies that continue to shape regional politics today.