Pakistan has rejected Afghanistan's claims over the 'internationally recognized' Pakistan-Afghan border [Durand Line], describing these as 'irresponsible and unwarranted.' Responding to a statement of Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 'not recognizing the Durand Line as an official border between the two countries,' Spokesperson Foreign Office Dr Mohammad Faisal while terming the statement as irresponsible and unwarranted, emphasized that Pakistan-Afghan border is an internationally recognized official border between the two countries in accordance with all relevant international laws and conventions.
He said that Pakistan believes that 24/7 opening of the Torkham point along Pakistan-Afghanistan border is a significant step forward to facilitate the people and traders of both sides. However, such statements only serve to undermine the resolve for peace and cooperation between the two countries and should be avoided, the spokesperson added.
The Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement on Friday stated that the Afghan government, appreciating Pakistan's act on its commitment regarding round the clock operationalization of Torkham crossing, "as always, emphasizes its stance on not recognizing the Durand Line as an official border between the two countries."
Pakistan considers the border with Afghanistan as a settled issue; however, Afghanistan has long been adopted the stance not to recognize the border. Despite reservations of the Afghan government, Pakistan started fencing the 2,611km long border with Afghanistan last year and the work is due to be completed by the end of this year.