No agreement on Durand Line, says Afghan defense minister

The Minister of Defense of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) has stated that no agreement was reached regarding the Durand Line during recent talks with Pakistan’s military officials in Doha, emphasizing that the issue is a matter for nations—not governments—to decide.

Defense Minister Mullah Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid made the remarks during an online press conference on Sunday, following controversy over Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs referring to the Durand Line as a “border” in its official statement—language that sparked widespread speculation.

“The Durand Line represents the collective stance of the Afghan nation. It has never been recognized as an official border, and no agreement has been made on this issue,” Mujahid said. “This is not a decision any government can make; it is a matter for the people.”

Reaffirming Afghanistan’s sovereignty, Mujahid stressed the country’s right to establish independent foreign relations. He noted that ties with India should not be viewed as a threat to Pakistan.

“We seek strong and respectful relations with India, a key power in the region,” he said. “At the same time, we aim to maintain friendly and positive relations with Pakistan. We are not in favor of enmity with any country.”

Mujahid also noted that technical teams from both sides will work to identify any violations of existing agreements in order to prevent future tensions or conflict.

The Doha discussions also covered the resumption of trade and the voluntary return of Afghan refugees.