Afghan Foreign Ministry has strongly rejected the statement of U.S. Special Envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan, Mark Grossman, on Durand Line. Speaking to TV1 in Kabul on Sunday October 21, Grossman said the US recognizes the Durand Line as an international border between Afghanistan and Pakistan. There is nothing new and outrageous about that. It has been half-century old US policy on the issue.

The Ministry spokesman has said the status of Durand Line is a matter of historic importance for the people of Afghanistan. "The Afghan Government rejects and considers irrelevant any statement by anyone about the legal status of this line."

The 1500-mile Durand Line was agreed as border in 1893 in a treaty between Kabul and the then British India. However, since the birth of Pakistan in 1947, Afghan governments have never officially accepted the status of Durand Line as international border.

Though officially condemned, but in a positive development, Grossman's statement provoked a debate in the Senate session on Tuesday about Durand Line. Most senators emphasized on resolution of the issue. Some asked the Government to make efforts in this regard through public consultation.

It has been a thorn in the Af-Pak relations for half a century, and one of the significant factors of the on-going violent conflict in the region. The Government has had very vague position on the issue. The Government condemns the long-held US policy on the issue, but neither clearly questions the legitimacy of Durand Line by taking up the issue with Islamabad, or on international forum, nor come up with a viable solution and policy statement.

Officials from Foreign and Defense ministries come with vague comments on the issue. Though it would be a challenging task given the historic importance of the issue, but it is high time President Karzai make efforts for resolution of the Durand Line issue with Pakistan.

Its resolution is inevitable for stability and security in the region. The Government should launch a public debate with political parties and civil society on the issue developing a national consensus.

Media should discuss to raise awareness about the debate. The current position of the Government seems to be to leave the issue for later.

But is will take us to nowhere, rather prolonging the complexities of AfPak conflict. A Loya Jirga should be called which could propose the Government to take the issue to the United Nations.

There is an international consensus on the issue. Afghanistan can hardly make its case acceptable for the world community to question the legitimacy of Durand Line as international border. A respectful solution would be the UN endorsement, if Kabul fears domestic political unpopularity.