Summary # 1

PAK-AFGHAN BORDER: DEMARCATION

AND MANAGEMENT
This research paper written by Lutf ur Rehman focuses on the demarcation and management
of the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, specifically addressing the Durand Line dispute. The paper
highlights the historical disagreements and controversies surrounding the border, with
Afghanistan not recognizing the Durand Line as a legitimate international border. Pakistan has
implemented an Integrated Border Management System to secure its border, while Afghanistan
opposes the construction of fences and argues that it violates international norms and the
Durand Treaty. The paper emphasizes the importance of understanding the nature of the border
and the issues related to its management for policymakers and scholars on both sides. However,
there is limited research available on this topic, and the paper aims to fill that gap by analyzing
primary documents and exploring the demarcation, fencing, legal status, and management of
the border.
The Durand Line is a border between Afghanistan and Pakistan that was established through
the Durand Treaty signed between the British (later Pakistani) and Afghan authorities. The
demarcation of the Durand Line was carried out by several joint commissions. The demarcation
process involved the appointment of commissioners from both sides to determine the boundary
line on the ground and set up physical structures like pillars. The demarcation was conducted
in different sections, including the Domandi-Chaman section and the Chaman-Koh-i-Malik
Siah section. In the Domandi-Chaman section, the joint commission agreed that the Kundar
and Kundil rivers would serve as a natural border, and demarcation was not necessary between
Domandi and Prekare. The border was demarcated up to the Khwaja Amran range, with a
dispute arising near Pasha Kotal. A concession was given to Afghanistan, and the border was
demarcated from Domandi to Chaman. In the Chaman-Koh-i-Malik Siah section, initial talks
were held in Chaman, and negotiations were conducted in Persian. The Afghan side wanted
control over an outpost called Reg Thana, which was given to Afghanistan. The border was
demarcated up to Laram, with some areas left undemarcated due to shifting sand dunes. The
remaining portion was identified through a straight line between two points. The demarcation
of the Durand Line faced challenges, including difficult terrains, desert conditions, and scarcity
of water. Despite the obstacles, the commissioners completed the demarcation of the entire
frontier from Chaman to the Iranian border. The border was pushed 70 miles inside Baluchistan
as a concession. Other sections of the border, such as the Afghan-Waziristan Boundary
Commission and the Asmar Boundary Commission, were also involved in the demarcation
process. The boundary pillars were constructed, maps were exchanged, and agreements were
signed to finalize the demarcation. It is important to note that the demarcation process had its
controversies and disputes, with both sides making claims and concessions. The summary
provides an overview of the demarcation process of the Durand Line, highlighting key
agreements, challenges, and outcomes. This article discusses various issues and challenges
related to border demarcation between Afghanistan and British India (later Pakistan) during
the colonial period. These issues include the Afghan invasion and annexation of the Bashgal
Valley and Dokalim, the handing over of the Wakhan Corridor to Kabul against the wishes of
the ruler of the Wakhi people, and disputes over territories like Dokalim and Band-i-Chandan.
It also mentions the destruction of boundary pillars, cross-border crimes, and tensions between
Pakistan and Afghanistan, including the demand for a separate Pashtun state (Pakhtunistan)
and military confrontations. The Article further discusses the historical context and events
related to the demarcation of the border, including the role of British commissioners, the
demarcation in Khyber, the Dokalim dispute, and the destruction and reconstruction of
boundary pillars. It also highlights the soft nature of the Durand Line border, easement rights,
the Peshawar-Kabul bus service, and changes in visa policies between the two countries. It's
important to note that this article provides a historical account and reflects the legitimacy of
the Durand line, which Kabul is keep denying.
Summary # 2

EMERGING CHALLENGES TO INDUS WATERS TREATY

Issues of compliance & transboundary impacts of
Indian hydroprojects on the Western Rivers

The article discusses the emerging challenges to the Indus Waters Treaty, focusing on the
compliance and transboundary impacts of Indian hydro projects on the Western Rivers. The
treaty, signed between India and Pakistan in 1960, divided the rivers of the Indus basin system
between the two countries. However, in recent years, India's construction of hydroelectric
projects on the western rivers has raised concerns in Pakistan. The importance of the Indus
basin rivers in the economy and lives of the people of Pakistan and India is significant. Pakistan
heavily relies on the Indus basin water for its domestic, agricultural, and industrial needs. The
growing population and rising temperatures have increased the pressure on water demands.
Pakistan has exclusive rights over the western rivers under the Indus Waters Treaty, namely
the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab. However, Pakistan argues that India's hydro projects on these
rivers do not follow the criteria specified in the treaty and could disrupt the flow of water into
Pakistan. Disputes have arisen over various projects, such as the Salal dam, Wullar
Barrage/Tulbul Navigation project, Kishanganga hydroelectric dams, and Baglihar dam.
The paper highlights the transboundary impacts of Indian projects on the hydrology and
ecology of the rivers assigned to Pakistan. It argues that India's actions not only violate the
spirit of the treaty but also ignore the adverse effects on Pakistan's water resources. The issue
has sparked a debate in Pakistan, with claims that India is "stealing" Pakistan's water, while
India blames Pakistan for its water woes due to poor management of resources. To ensure better
functioning of the treaty and bridge the trust deficit, the paper suggests several measures. These
include transparency in sharing flow data, timely sharing of information on new Indian
projects, joint watershed management, joint environmental studies, cooperation on water
quality, strengthening the Indus Waters Commission, and sharing best practices in water
resource management. The article also delves into the theoretical debate on "water wars" and
"water cooperation." While water scarcity and competition over resources can potentially lead
to conflicts, the literature suggests that cooperation between riparian countries has often
prevailed. Historical evidence shows that formal and informal institutions have managed water
scarcity without resorting to war. The Indus Waters Treaty serves as an example of enduring
stability in water sharing between India and Pakistan. In conclusion, the article highlights the
importance of the Indus basin rivers for Pakistan and the emerging challenges to the Indus
Waters Treaty. It discusses Pakistan's rights under the treaty, India's alleged violations, and the
transboundary impacts of Indian hydro projects on Pakistan's water resources. It suggests
measures to improve the treaty's functioning and avert the growing threat of a "water war"
between the two countries.

Summary # 3
 China–Pakistan Economic Corridor:
Prospects and challenges

This research paper written by Murad Ali focuseson the mega project of BRI,
which is CPEC, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a significant
project under China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). It aims to enhance economic
cooperation between China and Pakistan through investments in energy and
communication infrastructure, as well as the development of industrial zones. The
article by Ali explores the prospects and challenges of CPEC. Major prospects of
CPEC includes Socio-economic development and its geo-strategic importance.
CPEC is expected to bring socio-economic benefits to both Pakistan and China.
Chinese investments in energy and transport infrastructure, as well as special
economic and industrial zones, can address Pakistan's energy crisis, improve
connectivity, create job opportunities, and stimulate economic growth. Also,
CPEC holds geostrategic importance for China by connecting its western region,
particularly Xinjiang, to the Gwadar port in Pakistan. This provides China with
access to the Indian Ocean, which is crucial for its trade and energy security. But
along with the pros there are some challenges and constraints of CPEC which are
beautifully expressed in this paper, such as security situation, geopolitical
implications issues stc. The fragile security situation in Pakistan poses a challenge
to the implementation of CPEC projects. Security risks, such as terrorism and
separatist movements, can disrupt the progress and stability of the corridor.
Further issues gets complicated in geopolitical context. CPEC has broader
geopolitical implications, especially in the South Asian region. It has the potential
to increase tension between Pakistan and India, as India perceives CPEC as a
Chinese geopolitical and security project. This could exacerbate the already
fragile regional dynamics and financial implications: Also, there are concerns
about the long-term financial implications of CPEC for Pakistan. The article
highlights the potential risk of CPEC becoming a debt trap for Pakistan, as the
country needs to repay the loans obtained for the projects. This paper also
emphasizes the need for maintaining peace and stability to fully realize the
opportunities offered by CPEC for regional trade, connectivity, and integration.
It also calls for transparency in the implementation of CPEC projects and
addresses the environmental concerns associated with coal-based power plants.
In conclusion, CPEC has wide-ranging geopolitical implications for South Asia
and beyond. While it offers potential economic benefits and regional
connectivity, it also raises concerns and challenges related to regional rivalries,
security, and the balance of power. The successful implementation of the project
and addressing these concerns would be crucial for its long-term impact on the
region.