Why did the word ‘border’ cause a dispute? Qatar had to make changes to the Afghanistan-Pakistan ceasefire agreement

The ceasefire talks between Afghanistan and Pakistan held in Qatar became controversial when the word “border” used in the draft agreement sparked controversy. Afghanistan objected, stating that the word “border” should not be used because it does not recognize the Durand Line as a formal international border. As a result, Qatar was forced to amend the official statement by removing the word. Afghan Defense Minister Maulvi Yaqub Mujahid stated clearly in an online press conference from Doha that the Durand Hypothetical Line was not discussed, and that the issue was an internal matter of the Afghan people.

Following the ceasefire, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement on the meeting between the two countries, stating that the agreement was reached to ensure peace and stability on the border. However, Afghanistan strongly objected to this statement, stating that Qatar should immediately change the word because Afghanistan does not recognize the Durand Line as an international border. Qatar subsequently changed the wording of its official statement, limiting it to stability between the two countries.

Why is there a dispute over the Durand Line?
The 2,640-kilometer-long line between Afghanistan and Pakistan is known as the Durand Line. It was drawn by the British in 1893, dividing the Pashtun region into two parts. The Afghan government still considers it a line of British colonialism and calls it an imaginary line. Afghanistan has never accepted this line as an official border, while Pakistan considers it its recognized border. This is why the word “border” is sensitive for Afghanistan.

The True Purpose of the Doha Agreement
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement on October 19th stating that Pakistan and Afghanistan had agreed to immediately implement a ceasefire and develop a roadmap for lasting peace through further meetings. Qatar and Turkey were the mediators in these talks. The statement stated that both sides would continue meetings in the coming days to ensure the sustainability of the ceasefire.

Afghan Defense Minister’s Strong Statement
Afghan Defense Minister Maulvi Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid stated on the dispute, “Our agreement did not discuss any border crossings along the Durand Line. This issue concerns the Afghan people, and no one can violate our sovereignty.” He also stated that the upcoming Turkey talks would focus solely on the mechanisms of the existing agreement, not on any border demarcation. Qatar subsequently amended its statement, stating that the agreement was for peace and stability between the two brotherly countries.

Pakistan’s Silence
Pakistan has not yet issued a formal statement on the dispute. Islamabad attempted to show that the talks were successful and that the focus would be on implementation in the next phase. However, the Pakistani media presented it as the Durand Line security arrangement, further angering the Afghan side. This dispute is not just about a single term, but concerns the entire diplomacy of South Asia. Afghanistan’s new Taliban government has already been accusing Pakistan of border violations and drone attacks. Pakistan, meanwhile, wants the border security system strengthened to an internationally acceptable level.