Role of Pak-Afghan Border Porosity in Regional Stability: Perceptions of Pakistan Army Personnel

Abstract

The Pakistan-Afghanistan border has remained volatile since Pakistan’s independence in 1947. Two superpower invasions of Afghanistan have further amplified the significance of the contentious border. Our research focuses on border porosity along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border influencing regional stability. The study involves current serving army personnel as respondents. A total of fifty-two respondents were selected through convenience sampling. We utilized a structured questionnaire to gauge the perceptions of Pakistan Army personnel concerning the border porosity and its impact on regional stability. The data analysis was conducted using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), employing frequency distribution and cross-tabulation techniques. Our empirical findings reveal that the porosity of the Durand Line contributes to the proliferation of terrorism, smuggling, and human trafficking. A notable factor driving illegal migration is the scarcity of official entry points. Most respondents (92.3%) acknowledged using alternative illicit routes to cross the Durand Line. The absence of legal documentation (51.9% of respondents) also emerged as a primary cause of unauthorized entries into Pakistan. Regarding the impediments to sealing the border, 67.3% of respondents affirmed that the Government of Afghanistan plays a significant role. Conversely, 86.5% of respondents agreed that the registration of Afghan refugees has resulted in a decline in terrorism. Nevertheless, implementing fencing along the Pakistan-Afghanistan positively enhances border security and regional stability.