Afghanistan and Kashmir Issue

and Geopolitics of Pakistan-

Geopolitics and Border Issues
Lecture 6
Muhammad Tariq
 • Recap of:-
• - Fragile Afghanistan in History
Afghanistan •
•
- Durand Line Issue
- 1979 Afghan war
and • - 9/11 scenario

Kashmir • - Current situation & Impact on Pakistan

(Asg)
Issue – • - Brief History of Kashmir (Asg)
Geopolitics • - Abrogation of Special Status of Kashmir
of Pakistan • - Options for Resolution of Kashmir Dispute
(Asg)
6
Western
Border
Alignment
Dispute over
Durand Line
Border of Afghanistan with Pakistan

• The length of Pak-Afghan Border is the 2,640-kilometer (1,640-mile). The

border was formed as a result of an agreement between Sir Mortimer
Durand, a secretary of the British Indian government, and Abdul Rahman
Khan, the emir, or Ruler, of Afghanistan. The agreement was signed on
November 12, 1893, in Kabul, Afghanistan. The border was later
recognized as the international border.
• https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/pakistan/
Durand Line
Kashmir Issue-Recent Development
The Context

• Article 370 and Article 35A were significant provisions of the Indian
Constitution that granted a special autonomous status to the state of
Jammu and Kashmir within the Indian Union. They were designed to
safeguard the rights and autonomy of the region due to its unique
historical and political context.
Article 370 & 35A

Article 370: This article was included in the Indian Constitution in 1949.
It granted special autonomous status to the state of Jammu and
Kashmir, allowing it to have its own constitution, flag, and significant
autonomy over internal matters, with the exception of foreign affairs,
defense, and communications. It was intended as a temporary
provision, pending a final resolution of the state's political status.
Article 370 & 35A

Article 35A: Article 35A was inserted into the Indian Constitution
through a Presidential order in 1954. This article empowered the state's
legislature to define "permanent residents" and provide them with
certain exclusive rights and privileges, particularly in matters of land
ownership and government employment. This provision aimed to
protect the demographic and cultural uniqueness of the region.
Abrogation of Article 370 & 35A

On August 5, 2019, the Government of India, led by the Bharatiya

Janata Party (BJP), made a historic decision to abrogate Article 370 and
Article 35A, thereby revoking the special status of Jammu and Kashmir.
This decision was accompanied by a number of significant changes.
Challenges-Abrogation of Article 370 & 35A

Reorganization of the State: The state of Jammu and Kashmir was

reorganized into two separate union territories - Jammu and Kashmir,
and Ladakh.

Complete Integration: The abrogation was seen as an attempt to fully

integrate Jammu and Kashmir into the Indian Union and extend Indian
laws and rights to the region.
Challenges-Abrogation of Article 370 & 35A

Changes in Demographics and Property Rights: With the abrogation of

Article 35A, the exclusive rights and privileges enjoyed by the
"permanent residents" were revoked. This change allowed people from
other Indian states to buy land and settle in Jammu and Kashmir, which
was previously restricted.
Implications of Revocation of Article
370&35A
Implications of Revocation
of Article 370&35A
• The revocation of Article 370 and Article 35A of
the Indian Constitution has had significant
implications on the regional security
environment. It has the potential to lead to
increased instability and violence.
• It is seen as an attempt by India to further its
territorial ambitions in the region. The
revocation of Article 370 and Article 35A has
also led to increased tensions between India
and Pakistan, with both countries accusing
each other of violating human rights in the
region
 Implications of • The revocation of Article 370 and Article
Revocation of 35A has also raised concerns about the
potential for increased violence in the
Article 370&35A region. It could lead to increased unrest
and protests in Jammu and Kashmir