Pakistan, officially known as the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, is a country located in South Asia. It is bordered by four countries, each with its own unique culture and history. These countries are Afghanistan to the northwest, Iran to the southwest, India to the east, and China to the northeast.
Afghanistan shares the longest border with Pakistan, stretching over 2,400 kilometers. The border between the two countries is known as the Durand Line and has been a source of contention for many years.
Iran shares a relatively short border with Pakistan, measuring around 959 kilometers. The border region is characterized by rugged mountainous terrain, making it a challenging area to patrol.
The border between Pakistan and India is one of the most contentious in the world, stretching over 2,900 kilometers. It is heavily militarized and has been a focal point of tension between the two countries since their partition in 1947.
China shares the shortest border with Pakistan, measuring approximately 523 kilometers. This border is located in the mountainous region of Gilgit-Baltistan, a contested territory that is claimed by both India and Pakistan.
The borders that Pakistan shares with these four countries play a significant role in shaping its foreign policy and regional dynamics. They serve as gateways for cultural exchange, trade, and sometimes, unfortunately, conflicts. Understanding the geopolitical importance of these borders is crucial in comprehending Pakistan’s role in the region.
About Pakistan’s Borders
Pakistan is a country located in South Asia. It shares borders with four countries:
- Afghanistan: Pakistan shares a 2,430-kilometer-long border with Afghanistan, making it the longest border for Pakistan.
- Iran: The border between Pakistan and Iran stretches for about 909 kilometers.
- India: Pakistan shares a 2,912-kilometer-long border with India, which has been a source of conflict between the two countries.
- China: The border between Pakistan and China, also known as the Karakoram Pass, is approximately 595 kilometers long.
These borders play a significant role in Pakistan’s geography and its relationships with its neighboring countries. The border regions are important for trade, transportation, and cultural exchange between Pakistan and its neighboring nations.
Border Sharing with China
Pakistan shares a border of approximately 523 kilometers with China, making it the shortest and most strategic border of the country. This border is known as the “Pak-China Friendship Border” and is located in the Karakoram mountain range. It is a significant border for both countries geographically and politically.
The Pak-China Friendship Border is not only a land border but also a high-altitude border due to the mountainous terrain. It is marked by the Khunjerab Pass, which is the highest paved international border crossing in the world at an elevation of 4,693 meters above sea level. The pass serves as an important trade route between Pakistan and China, facilitating economic and cultural exchanges.
The border sharing with China is of great strategic importance for both Pakistan and China. It has played a crucial role in promoting bilateral relations and enhancing cooperation between the two countries. The border serves as a gateway for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which aims to connect Gwadar Port in Pakistan’s Balochistan province to China’s northwestern region of Xinjiang.
Border sharing with China has created numerous opportunities for trade, investment, and cultural exchange between the two countries. It has strengthened the historical ties between Pakistan and China and has paved the way for further collaboration in various fields, including infrastructure development, energy cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges.
The border sharing with China is a symbol of friendship and cooperation between the two countries. It highlights the strong bond that exists between Pakistan and China and the commitment of both countries to deepen their strategic partnership.
Border Sharing with Afghanistan
Pakistan shares a long and porous border of approximately 2,430 kilometers with neighboring Afghanistan. This border is known as the Durand Line and is one of the most important geopolitical boundaries in the region.
The border between Pakistan and Afghanistan is a mountainous and rugged terrain, which poses significant challenges for both countries in terms of border control and management. It is characterized by the Hindu Kush mountain range, which is one of the world’s highest and most treacherous mountain ranges.
The Durand Line was established in 1893 by Sir Mortimer Durand, who was the foreign secretary of British India at that time, and it separates the two countries. However, the border has been a source of political and territorial disputes between Pakistan and Afghanistan since its inception.
The border area is known for its strategic importance, as it has been historically used as a trade route, as well as a passage for invasions and military operations. It has also been a haven for various militant groups and has attracted international attention due to its role in terrorism and medicine trafficking.
Despite the challenges and conflicts associated with the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, the two countries continue to engage in bilateral talks and efforts to improve border security and cooperation. They recognize the need for joint efforts to address common issues such as terrorism, smuggling, and illegal border crossings.
Overall, the Pakistan-Afghanistan border is a complex and dynamic geopolitical boundary that requires continuous cooperation and collaboration between the two countries to effectively manage security challenges and promote regional stability.
Border Sharing with Iran
Pakistan shares a border with Iran in the southwestern part of the country. The border between Pakistan and Iran spans approximately 959 kilometers (596 miles). The border is known as the Pakistan-Iran border and is marked by various natural features such as rivers and mountains.
The Pakistan-Iran border is significant as it serves as an important trade route between the two countries. It allows for the movement of goods and facilitates bilateral trade. The border crossing points between Pakistan and Iran include Taftan-Mirjaveh and Gwadar-Mand.
In addition to the economic importance, the Pakistan-Iran border has cultural significance as well. The border region is home to various ethnic groups and tribes, some of which have connections and ties on both sides of the border. This cross-border cultural exchange has enriched the history and heritage of the region.
The border sharing with Iran also has implications for security and geopolitics. The two countries cooperate on various security issues, including border control and counter-terrorism measures. The Pakistan-Iran border has witnessed its share of security challenges, such as smuggling and illegal border crossings. However, both countries remain committed to ensuring the security and stability of the border region.
Overall, the border sharing with Iran is an important aspect of Pakistan’s geopolitical landscape. It plays a crucial role in facilitating trade, cultural exchange, and security cooperation between the two neighboring countries.
Border Sharing with India
Pakistan shares its longest border with India, spanning over 2,900 kilometers. This border is known as the international border and is divided into three main sections: the Line of Control (LoC) in the disputed territory of Jammu and Kashmir, the Working Boundary in Punjab, and the Zero Line in Rajasthan.
The LoC serves as a military control line between the Indian-administered and Pakistan-administered parts of Jammu and Kashmir. It is a heavily fortified and highly volatile area, witnessing frequent ceasefire violations and cross-border firing.
The Working Boundary, also known as the Radcliffe Line, was drawn by Sir Cyril Radcliffe during the partition of India in 1947. It separates the Indian state of Punjab from Pakistan’s Punjab province. Along this border, both countries have established border outposts and have a heightened military presence.
The Zero Line is the international border between India and Pakistan in the state of Rajasthan. It is relatively less contentious compared to the LoC and the Working Boundary, but is still heavily guarded.
Due to the historical and political tensions between India and Pakistan, the border sharing between the two countries has been a topic of dispute and conflict. However, efforts have been made to improve the relations and ease the tension through various initiatives and diplomatic engagements.
