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"Unilaterally imposed by the British in the nineteenth century and accepted by Pakistan but never by Afghanistan, the Durand Line continues to be contested by the two states. In the literature dealing with the dispute, the Pashtun view has been missing. Now, at last, Nabi Sahak has filled this gap in an original book of real authority. We should all be in his debt."
– James Mayall, Emeritus Professor of International Relations, University of Cambridge
"The first comprehensive study of the making of the Durand Line, which has marked one of the great geopolitical fractures of the world since the nineteenth century, Sahak's book makes use of hitherto unknown Afghan sources to give a wholly original account of this crucial boundary. It will be of interest to historians as well as policymakers."
– Faisal Devji, Professor of Indian History, University of Oxford
The Durand Line, an enduring trauma of colonial imposition dividing British India and Afghanistan since 1893, and Afghanistan and Pakistan since 1947, fuels relentless regional instability and geopolitical strife. This book unapologetically amplifies silenced Afghan voices, shattering long-held imperial narratives with new historical evidence. Through groundbreaking analysis, this research exposes the Durand Line's unlawful and unscrupulous beginnings, its deliberately skewed history, and its unceasing, devastating human consequences, laying bare a persistent legacy of colonial injustice. By unearthing untold truths, this study forges essential pathways toward genuine reconciliation, lasting peace, and a future rooted in justice and dignity.
Nabi Sahak's journey spans from war-torn Afghanistan to prestigious fellowships and universities. A former BBC reporter, Rotary Peace Fellow, and Fulbright Scholar, he now conducts independent research in the USA. Sahak earned a BA from George Mason University, USA, an MA from the University of Queensland, Australia, and a PhD from King's College London. His articles in numerous international journals and book chapter The Pashtun Dimension of the War on Terror (2019) offer unique insights into the region's enduring conflicts. This book presents Sahak's latest research on the origins of the Durand Line.
List of contents
1. Introduction.- 2. The Origins of Anglo-Afghan Relations, 1761-1839.- 3. Anglo-Afghan Relations, 1839-1893: The First and Second Anglo-Afghan Wars.- 4. The Original Purpose of the Durand Line Agreement.- 5. Afghanistan's Arguments regarding the Invalidity of the Durand Line Agreement.- 6. Primary Source Materials on the Durand Line.- 7. The Demarcation of the Durand Line and the 1897 Pashtun Rebellion.- 8. The Durand Line, 1901-1919.- 9. The Durand Line, 1919-1947.- 10. Conclusion: Why the Durand Line is an Impossible Knot to Untie.
About the author
Nabi Sahak, a former BBC reporter in Afghanistan and Pakistan, is an independent researcher based in the USA. He holds a BA from George Mason University, USA, an MA from the University of Queensland, Australia, and a PhD from the King’s College London. He has authored numerous articles in international journals, including the chapter The Pashtun Dimension of the War on Terror (2019).
Summary
"Unilaterally imposed by the British in the nineteenth century and accepted by Pakistan but never by Afghanistan, the Durand Line continues to be contested by the two states. In the literature dealing with the dispute, the Pashtun view has been missing. Now, at last, Nabi Sahak has filled this gap in an original book of real authority. We should all be in his debt."
– James Mayall, Emeritus Professor of International Relations, University of Cambridge
"The first comprehensive study of the making of the Durand Line, which has marked one of the great geopolitical fractures of the world since the nineteenth century, Sahak's book makes use of hitherto unknown Afghan sources to give a wholly original account of this crucial boundary. It will be of interest to historians as well as policymakers."
– Faisal Devji, Professor of Indian History, University of Oxford
The Durand Line, an enduring trauma of colonial imposition dividing British India and Afghanistan since 1893, and Afghanistan and Pakistan since 1947, fuels relentless regional instability and geopolitical strife. This book unapologetically amplifies silenced Afghan voices, shattering long-held imperial narratives with new historical evidence. Through groundbreaking analysis, this research exposes the Durand Line's unlawful and unscrupulous beginnings, its deliberately skewed history, and its unceasing, devastating human consequences, laying bare a persistent legacy of colonial injustice. By unearthing untold truths, this study forges essential pathways toward genuine reconciliation, lasting peace, and a future rooted in justice and dignity.
Nabi Sahak's journey spans from war-torn Afghanistan to prestigious fellowships and universities. A former BBC reporter, Rotary Peace Fellow, and Fulbright Scholar, he now conducts independent research in the USA. Sahak earned a BA from George Mason University, USA, an MA from the University of Queensland, Australia, and a PhD from King's College London. His articles in numerous international journals and book chapter The Pashtun Dimension of the War on Terror (2019) offer unique insights into the region's enduring conflicts. This book presents Sahak's latest research on the origins of the Durand Line.
