Editorial: Crossing point tensions
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October 18, 2018
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Couple of days again tension erupted on Afghan Pakistan crossing point at Spin Boldak, connecting Kandahar with Baluchistan, resulting in halting of cross point movement and bilateral trade for around three days. The tension erupted when officers and officials of Afghanistan security forces made objection over fencing of controversial Durand Line. The tension erupted not only at the time when Afghanistan is going for holding of third parliament elections but also at the time when US Special Envoy ZalmayKhalilzad was reached back in Washington from Qatar after holding hours ling face to face meeting with Taliban leaders. Taliban leaders through this meeting expressed conditional willingness for joining the main stream of politics and denouncing armed resistance. Now terms and conditions are being discussed both in Kabul and Washington as well. Afghans have shown satisfaction over Khalilzad-Taliban talks and attached great hopes with it. But all of their hopes and dreams have been stormed with erupting of crossing point clashes. Tension not only erupted in Spinboldak but also at Torkham whereas Pakistani authorities didn’t permit the tribesmen to cross over without passport. Afghan government has already exempted all tribesmen, living on both sides of Durand Line of visa-passport restrictions. But Pakistan is reluctant to do so. On the pretext of terror, Pakistan since 2015 engaged in one sided crossing points management and so called security system. Even its forces are engaged in fencing of the Durand Line, which is not an official boundary between the two states. As a result of one sided action, there exists wide range unrest amongst the war affected Afghans. The US is playing dubious role on this issue, which also caused unrest amongst the Afghans. Other members of global community, supporting firm stance of Afghanistan on Durand Line issue are also playing role of silent spectator. No one can deny the fact that Afghanistan and Pakistan are now realities. Both the countries are also neighbours. But the issue of Durand Line is different. The Pakhtoon tribes living on both sides of Durand Line are the major stakeholders in this issue. Instead of remaining stick to previous colonial rulers inherited proposals and decisions, Pakistani authorities should review its policies towards the Pakhtoon tribesmen. Unless taking into confidence, these Pakhtoons no one could settle the Durand Line issue forever. The International community also must break its silence as it is the question of millions of Pakhtoons from both sides linked into unbreakable relations with each others.
Afghanistan Times
