What is the Durand Line?

The Durand Line is the international border between Pakistan and Afghanistan, established in 1893 during British rule in India. It separates the Pakistani provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan from Afghanistan’s eastern provinces.

The line was negotiated between Sir Mortimer Durand of British India and Abdur Rahman Khan, the Amir of Afghanistan. Its demarcation is historically significant and continues to influence geopolitical relations between the two countries.

Durand Line Length

The total length of the Durand Line is approximately:

• 2,670 kilometers (1,659 miles)

Geographic Distribution

• Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to Afghanistan: ~1,250 km

• Balochistan to Afghanistan: ~1,420 km

This border runs from the Chitral region in the north to the Gomal River in the south, crossing mountainous terrains and tribal areas.

Significance of the Durand Line

The Durand Line plays a key role in geopolitics, security, and border management:

• International Boundary: Separates Pakistan and Afghanistan

• Strategic Importance: Controls trade and military access

• Historical Context: Created to define British India’s influence

• Current Issues: Disputes over legitimacy and cross-border movement

Exam-Oriented One-Line Answer

The Durand Line is the Pakistan–Afghanistan border, approximately 2,670 km long, established in 1893.

MCQs Based on Durand Line

Q1. When was the Durand Line established?
A) 1947
B) 1893
C) 1901
D) 1878

✅ Answer: B) 1893

Q2. What is the total length of the Durand Line?
A) 1,500 km
B) 2,670 km
C) 3,200 km
D) 2,000 km

✅ Answer: B) 2,670 km

Q3. The Durand Line separates Pakistan from which country?
A) India
B) Iran
C) Afghanistan
D) China

✅ Answer: C) Afghanistan

Q4. Who negotiated the Durand Line on behalf of British India?
A) Lord Curzon
B) Sir Mortimer Durand
C) Lord Mountbatten
D) Sir John Lawrence

✅ Answer: B) Sir Mortimer Durand

Distance & Geographic Reference

• Northern Start: Chitral region, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

• Southern End: Gomal River, Balochistan

• Crosses rugged mountains, tribal areas, and valleys

• Impacts security and border trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan

Quick Revision Box

• Border Name: Durand Line

• Countries Separated: Pakistan & Afghanistan

• Length: ~2,670 km (1,659 miles)

• Established: 1893

• Negotiators: Sir Mortimer Durand (British India) & Abdur Rahman Khan (Afghanistan)

• Provinces in Pakistan: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa & Balochistan