Border Management and National Security in Pakistan: A Strategic Case Study of the Durand Line

https://doi.org/10.55966/assaj.2025.4.1.084

Abstract

The Durand Line, the historically disputed boundary between Afghanistan and Pakistan, is a zone of crisis in the region as it relates to security, terrorism and social-political unrest. The present article analyzes this manifold problem of border management that is affecting Pakistan and includes cross-border terrorism of such groups as the TTP and IS-K, the prevalence of smuggling channels, and the tribal unrest due to years of marginalization. It assesses the policy responses of Pakistan including the Pakistani fencing of borders, biometric systems and military deployment in the region and its tactical achievements and failures in the systems. According to the analysis, purely militarized solution has not helped to immediately describe the root causes leading to the heightening of tensions with Afghanistan and alienation of local populations. The article provides a comprehensive approach to the problem, which involves the implementation of high-tech surveillance, active diplomacy with Afghanistan, and cross-border socio-economic development through the multidisciplinary perspective. It presents the necessity of multilateral collaboration via such forums as SCO and OIC or the grassroots efforts in preventing radicalization and illegal trade. Important suggestions are modernizing the infrastructure at the border using AI technologies, reinstating bilateral peace infrastructures and creating employment to minimize militancy. The paper has come up with a conclusion that sustainable stability in the Durand Line should entail reconciling security demands with inclusive governance, regional relationships, and economic empowerment.

Keywords: Durand Line, Pakistan-Afghanistan Relations, Border Security, Counterterrorism, Smuggling, Tribal Unrest, Socio-Economic Development, Regional Diplomacy, Surveillance Technology, CPEC