BORDER SECURITY AND MIGRANT PROTECTION: THE COMPLEXITIES OF NATIONAL SOVEREIGNTY IN THE AFGHANISTAN-PAKISTAN CONTEXT

Abstract

The Afghanistan-Pakistan border, a critical geopolitical and humanitarian hotspot, has been a site of complex challenges concerning border security, migrant protection, and national sovereignty. Spanning 2,640 kilometers, the Durand Line divides ethnic Pashtun communities, fueling tensions between the two nations. Since the Taliban’s resurgence in 2021, over 2.7 million Afghan refugees have sought refuge in Pakistan, significantly increasing the burden on the host country’s resources and infrastructure. Pakistan has taken stringent measures, including the construction of a border fence, to control the influx of migrants and mitigate security risks from insurgent groups and militancy. However, these measures often conflict with international human rights obligations, particularly the protection of refugees as outlined in the 1951 Refugee Convention and the principle of non-refoulement. Migrants face dire conditions, including forced deportations, exploitation, and lack of access to basic services. This research explores the delicate balance between national sovereignty and human rights, evaluating the effectiveness of Pakistan’s border policies and international legal frameworks. The study highlights the need for more integrated and humane approaches to border security and migrant protection, with recommendations for enhanced bilateral cooperation, legal pathways for refugees, and the use of technology to secure borders without compromising human rights.