Pakistani Opposition Leader Calls for Open Borders Along Durand Line and War Reparations for Afghanistan

Pakistani opposition leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai has called for the establishment of open borders along the Durand Line, arguing that effective governance would allow free movement for communities on both sides of the frontier. Speaking during a recent podcast, Achakzai compared the potential arrangement to existing open-border frameworks in Europe and Russia, suggesting that political will rather than geographic or historical barriers should dictate regional mobility.

Achakzai also addressed historical grievances, stating that Afghanistan holds the right to seek financial compensation from the United States and the former Soviet Union. He argued that both nations bear responsibility for the extensive infrastructure damage and economic losses incurred during past conflicts, and that reparations should be directed toward the country’s reconstruction efforts.

In addition to his remarks on regional borders and historical accountability, the opposition figure criticized current Pakistani security and migration policies. Achakzai alleged that authorities have been conducting arrests and deportations targeting Pashtun communities in major urban centers, including Lahore and Karachi. He characterized these measures as discriminatory and called for a more equitable approach to the treatment of Pashtun residents within Pakistan.

The comments reflect ongoing political discourse regarding cross-border relations, historical accountability, and minority rights in the region. Achakzai’s statements were made in his capacity as a prominent opposition voice and have not been formally addressed by federal authorities in Islamabad or Kabul.