In a sharp rebuttal that reignites the longstanding debate over the contentious Durand Line, Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Afghanistan’s de facto authorities, has categorically dismissed Pakistani claims to the historic boundary. Speaking to TOLOnews, Stanikzai emphasized that the Durand Line, a product of British colonial legacy, holds no legitimacy in the eyes of the Afghan government.

Stanikzai’s remarks came as a direct response to Pakistani officials’ assertions regarding the Durand Line, which has been a focal point of diplomatic friction between the two nations. “The Durand Line is an imaginary line, and there is no issue between Pakistan and us in this respect,” Stanikzai stated, highlighting the colonial origins of the dispute. He refuted the Pakistani stance by pointing out that the agreement to draw the Durand Line was made between the British and Amir Abdul Rahman Khan, not involving what is now Pakistan, as the country did not exist at the time.

The Deputy Foreign Minister went further to underscore the historical context, noting, “Pakistan did not exist when Durand’s imaginary line was drawn. Fifty years later, Pakistan was established. Pakistan is younger than the Durand Line.” This perspective not only challenges the current geopolitical narrative but also delves into the colonial past, questioning the very foundation upon which the border dispute rests.

The discourse around the Durand Line, according to political analysts like Fahim Chakari, requires international intervention. Chakari suggests that the United Nations should step in to facilitate a resolution that genuinely reflects the will of the people on both sides of the line. This call for a democratic approach to solving the border issue highlights the complexities surrounding territorial disputes inherited from colonial rule.

The Afghan stance contrasts starkly with that of Anwar ul-Haq Kakar, the Prime Minister of Pakistan’s caretaker government, who in a special interview with TOLOnews, claimed the Durand Line as an “internationally recognized border” between Afghanistan and Pakistan. This claim by Pakistan’s highest office not only asserts the line’s legitimacy but also represents an attempt to solidify its status amidst ongoing disputes.

The Durand Line, stretching over 2,400 kilometers, has been a contentious issue since its inception in 1893, dividing ethnic Pashtun territories and disrupting traditional nomadic routes. The disagreement over this boundary has fueled tensions, leading to recurring diplomatic clashes and complicating the relationship between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

As officials from Afghanistan’s de facto authorities once again challenge Pakistan’s assertions, the Durand Line remains a symbol of colonial imposition and a reminder of the unresolved issues that continue to plague South Asian geopolitics. The international community’s role, particularly that of entities like the United Nations, could prove crucial in navigating towards a peaceful and mutually acceptable resolution.

This latest exchange not only highlights the enduring legacy of colonial borders in shaping modern state relations but also underscores the importance of dialogue, understanding, and international cooperation in addressing the remnants of a divided past. As Kabul and Islamabad navigate these turbulent waters, the path forward remains uncertain, with historical grievances and national pride at the forefront of this geopolitical standoff.

The spokesperson for the US State Department told media outlets that last year the US government approved more than 18,000 Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) for Afghans who worked with the US.

He said that this figure represents the highest number of SIVs issued in a year.

The spokesperson for the State Department once again asked the US Congress to approve the residency plan for Afghans who worked with the United States in that country.

CNN reported earlier this month, that nearly 80,000 former local employees of the United States in Afghanistan, eligible for Special Immigrant Visas, are awaiting evacuation in Afghanistan and neighboring countries.

Among these individuals, tens of thousands have recently initiated the process of requesting their visas, as highlighted in the CNN report.

As of the eighth month of the year, only 10,800 applicants for Special Immigrant Visas have received leadership approval for evacuation, while the cases of 67,000 others are still pending approval, according to CNN’s Wednesday report.

Additionally, tens of thousands of former American colleagues and employees in Afghanistan have begun the visa request process, amplifying the urgency of the situation following the Taliban’s takeover.

One Afghan engineer, who worked with Americans, shared his experience of fleeing to Pakistan with his family after the fall of Afghanistan, waiting for over a year for approval of their Special Immigrant Visa application, citing the slow and time-consuming process.

He outlined the six essential documents required for the application, emphasizing the increasing delay in visa approval, which now exceeds a year compared to the earlier three-month timeline.

The US representative for Afghanistan states that his country welcomes the continuation of the Doha meetings regarding Afghanistan, calling for UN leadership to develop a roadmap for Afghanistan’s full integration into the international system.

Thomas West says that the welfare of Afghans and the common interests of the global community will guide this effort.

Thomas West, the US representative for Afghanistan, wrote on his social media platform X, on Friday, February 23, that there is a strong consensus regarding collective interests in Afghanistan.

“On the next steps, the U.S. welcomes the continuation of this format as well as calls for a UN-led process to develop a roadmap for Afghanistan’s full integration into the international system. The Afghan people’s well-being, and the international community’s shared interests, must guide this work,” West said.

He also added “No country wants to see the emergence of a terrorism threat from Afghanistan. All want to see women and girls return to secondary school, university, work, and public life.”

West also mentioned the international commitment to help the Afghan people, pointing out that humanitarian aid was provided to over 26 million Afghans last year. However, he raised concerns about the sustainability of this aid and emphasized the importance of an approach that empowers Afghans economically.

He also said “Many countries acknowledged the Taliban’s implementation of a poppy ban that UNODC assesses brought cultivation down 95%.  We reviewed international support for farmers seeking alternative crops and addicts in recovery – more coordination needed.”

Furthermore, West appreciated the participation of Afghan civil society members, both from within and outside the country, and discussed economic and basic needs, respecting human rights, and the importance of continued engagement with Afghans, including the Taliban.

The second Doha meeting on Afghanistan, hosted by Antonio Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, was held on the 18^th and 19^th of February.

The UN Secretary-General, after this meeting, said in a press briefing that the situation of women in Afghanistan has worsened, the issue of combating terrorism havens remains unresolved, and an inclusive government has not been formed.

Written By: Tabasum Nasiry

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has stated that it has supported thousands of female entrepreneurs in Afghanistan over the past two years, emphasizing that this action contributes to empowering them.

On Wednesday, February 21, UNDP announced on its social media platform X that Kanni Wignaraja, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations and head of the developmental program for the Asia-Pacific region of the organization, has met with female entrepreneurs in Afghanistan.

The United Nations Development Programme has emphasized that it has supported thousands of female entrepreneurs in Afghanistan over the past two years, ultimately employing more women and creating a cycle of empowerment and opportunity for them.

Previously, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) had announced the launch of a project aimed at empowering 75,000 female entrepreneurs in Afghanistan.

UNAMA, noting that women’s work strengthens Afghanistan’s economy, emphasized that the adaptation of these projects enables female entrepreneurs to manage businesses.

Meanwhile, UN agencies have consistently supported women’s investment in the country by launching programs that include supporting trade, providing training, and granting small loans.

At the same time, UN development programs have advocated for further support for women and girls in Afghanistan.

Friba, one of the women financially supported by the United Nations, stated in discussions with the organization that by establishing a small dairy office in a residential complex in Bamyan, she has created job opportunities for other women.

According to the United Nations Development Programme report, the ban on women’s work has adversely affected Afghanistan’s economy, dealing a blow of 600 million to one billion dollars to the country’s economy.