Pakistan-Afghanistan border security: Prospects and challenges (2014-2025)

Abstract

The Durand Line, forming the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, remains one of the most unstable and densely populated geopolitical regions in South Asia. This qualitative study examines evolving security dynamics from 2014 to 2025 through the Security Dilemma, Border Management Theory, and Regional Security Complex Theory to assess Pakistan's border security strategies. These include physical barriers, enhanced surveillance, the 2017 fencing project, and military operations such as Operation Zarb-e-Azb. Findings show that although barriers and surveillance reduced tactical vulnerabilities, they failed to resolve underlying ideological and political tensions. The Taliban's return in August 2021, initially seen as stabilizing, instead strained bilateral ties amid persistent threats from Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and Islamic State Khorasan Province. Strict border controls and closures at Torkham and Chaman harmed trade and worsened humanitarian pressures. The study recommends integrated border management emphasizing economic integration, coordinated patrols, regional cooperation, and balancing security with humanitarian and diplomatic trust.