KABUL - The Afghan government has renewed its opposition to the fencing of the Durand Line, arguing the Pakistan will affect civilians from both countries.
Kabul’s aversion to the move was renewed by Afghan Ambassador to Pakistan Omar Zakhilwal in an interview published on Monday.
Zakhilwal was quoted as saying by Daily Times that his country backed Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan’s idea of having soft borders with Afghanistan.
In his victory speech on July 26, Khan had voiced a desire to have open borders with Afghanistan on the pattern of the European Union.
Khan’s statement seems to be at odds with the Pakistan Army’s move towards fencing the border in curb traditional the movement of militants.
About the soft border proposal, Zakhilwal said: “That will be the best thing between Pakistan and Afghanistan if we get that.”
However, the diplomat hastened to reiterate his reservations about the fencing project: “We oppose the fencing as it will restrict the flow of people from both sides. But we appreciate PM Khan’s idea and there is no doubt about that.”
He did not agree Pakistan’s contention that the fencing was part of the border management to stop infiltration of militants.
“I think that preventing infiltration requires more of a policy change than restricting ordinary people’s lives. That is not an effective way.”
Instead the ambassador suggested policy changes to ward off threats from extremist elements. “There is a need to promote trade, free flow of people and cultural exchanges…” (Pajhwok)