Introduction: Borders of Pakistan – Strategic and Geopolitical Significance
Pakistan is strategically located at the crossroads of South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East, making it a vital player in regional geopolitics. The country shares a total land border of 6,774 kilometers (4,209 miles) with four neighboring countries, each of which holds significant historical, economic, and geopolitical importance. To the east, Pakistan borders India; to the west, it shares borders with Afghanistan and Iran; and to the northeast, it connects with China. The Arabian Sea lies to the south, providing Pakistan with a 1,046-kilometer (650-mile) coastline, further enhancing its strategic maritime significance.
Cultural and Economic Connectivity
These borders are more than mere physical divides—they serve as hubs for cultural exchange, trade, and migration. Regions along the borders foster economic interdependence and vibrant cultural interaction, enriched by centuries of shared history and traditions.
Geopolitical Importance
Pakistan’s borders are influenced by regional security concerns and shifting power dynamics. They act as diplomatic conduits, shaping the country’s foreign policy and defense strategies. From the bustling trade routes connecting Central Asia to the maritime pathways of the Arabian Sea, Pakistan’s borders play a crucial role in regional connectivity.
Governance and Security
Internationally recognized, Pakistan’s borders are governed by treaties, agreements, and conventions critical for maintaining national sovereignty and security. Ensuring border stability is a key priority, given the ongoing challenges of cross-border infiltration, smuggling, and geopolitical tensions.
The borders between Pakistan and its neighbors are as follows:
1) Pakistan-China Border (Northern Border)
The China-Pakistan border, officially known as the Sino-Pak Border, spans a length of 559 kilometres (347 mi). It was established on March15, 1963, following a formal agreement signed by FM Chen Yi of China and Z.A Bhutto of Pakistan.
This border commences at the eastern edge of the Wakhan Corridor and extends southeastward, concluding near the Karakoram Pass. It is one of the highest international border crossings globally, with the Khunjerab Pass being a notable point along the border, linking Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan region with China’s Xinjiang province.
Its delineation was the result of agreements between China and Pakistan from 1961 to 1965, culminating in the March 2, 1963 agreement.
Additionally, alongside the land border, there exists a Line of Actual Control (LAC) between Pakistan-controlled territory (Gilgit-Baltistan) and Chinese-controlled territory (Xinjiang) near the Karakoram Range. It delineates the areas under respective administrative control.
In addition to the geopolitical significance of the border, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) emerges as a notable bilateral initiative aimed at enhancing infrastructure within Pakistan to facilitate enhanced trade ties with China and foster greater integration among the South Asian nations.
2) Pakistan-India border (Eastern Border)
The India-Pakistan border, also known as the Redcliffe Line or international lines, spans a length of approximately 3,323 kilometres (2,065 mi) (including LoC in Kashmir).. It was established on August 17, 1947, by Sir Cyril Radcliffe, a British lawyer following the Partition of India and Pakistan. This partition precipitated the largest forced migration in modern history, resulting in an estimated 15 million people displaced and over two million lives lost.
In addition to the main border, there are significant boundaries and lines;
The Line of Control (LoC) between India and Pakistan spans a length of 861 kilometers. It was established on July 3, 1972, through the Simla Agreement. Previously known as the Ceasefire Line from 1949 to 1972, the LoC is not internationally recognized as a boundary. It delineates the border between Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan-administered Azad Kashmir, with military control exercised on both sides by India and Pakistan, respectively.
The Working Boundary between India and Pakistan is approximately 202 kilometers long. It was established in 1949 and is not internationally recognized as a boundary. This boundary is situated between Sialkot (Pakistan) and Jammu (India), marking the border between Indian Illegally Occupied Kashmir (IIOK) and the Pakistani province of Punjab.
Wagah is a pivotal location in discussions about the Indo-Pak border. It serves as the only road border crossing between India and Pakistan, situated on the Grand Trunk Road between the cities of Amritsar (India) and Lahore (Pakistan).
3) Pakistan-Afghanistan border (Western Border)
The Afghanistan-Pakistan border on the western side is known as the Durand Line. This border stretches for 2,640-kilometre (1,640 miles) and was established in 12 November 1893 by Sir Mortimer Durand, the British India foreign secretary. The Durand Line runs from the Hindu Kush to the Pamir Mountains, delineating a narrow strip of Afghanistan territory.
The Durand Line was named after Sir Mortimer Durand, who served as the foreign secretary of British India. He was tasked by the British Indian government to address various issues in Afghanistan, including resolving border disputes.
A notable geographical feature along this border is the Wakhan Corridor, a slender strip of Afghanistan territory approximately 350 kilometers long and ranging from 16 to 64 kilometers wide. This corridor serves as a crucial link between China and Afghanistan while also separating Tajikistan from Pakistan.
The western section of the Wakhan Corridor, known as Lower Wakhan, is characterized by the presence of the Panj River Valley. On the other hand, the eastern part of the Wakhan Corridor, referred to as Upper Wakhan, includes the Pamir River and valleys along with their tributaries.
4) Pakistan-Iran Border (Southwestern Border)
The Pakistan-Iran border, also known as the Pakistan-Iran Barrier, spans a length of 909 kilometers (565 miles) and was established between 1958 and 1959 by a British commission at the same time as the Durand Line, delineating Iran from what was then British India’s Baluchistan province. Pakistan and Iran signed a frontier agreement in Rawalpindi, officially declaring the border.
A crucial border crossing between Pakistan and Iran is known as Taftan Border, located in the Balochistan province of Pakistan. It serves as a significant point of entry for trade and commerce between the two countries, facilitating cross-border movement of goods and people.
Present-day Iran includes a province called Sistan va Baluchistan, which shares a border with Pakistan and has a Baluchi ethnic majority. Both countries have implemented security measures along the border to manage cross-border activities and address security concerns. This includes the construction of fences, checkpoints, and patrols.
Currently, there are plans to replace the existing border fence with a concrete wall, measuring three feet thick and 10 feet high.However, the construction of this wall has sparked controversy, particularly among the people of Balochistan.
Many Balochistan residents oppose the wall’s construction as it would create hindrances for them, especially considering that much of their lands are situated along the Pakistan-Iran border.
5) The Arabian Sea (Southern Border)
The Arabian Sea, commonly referred to as Pakistan’s coastline, spans a length of 1,046 kilometers (650 miles) along the southern border of the country, primarily within the provinces of Sindh and Balochistan. This coastline was established in 1947 when Pakistan gained independence, and it has since become a vital geographical and economic feature of the country. It holds significant historical and strategic importance due to its role as a major maritime route for trade, energy, and defense.
One of the key features of this coastline is where the Indus River drains into the Arabian Sea, creating a vital trade route for Pakistan. The delta of the Indus River, one of the largest in the world, is located along the coast, and it has historically been a hub of commerce and transportation. The region is crucial for facilitating both regional and international shipping, especially as it connects Pakistan to the Persian Gulf, Middle East, and beyond.
Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city and a major port, plays a central role along this coastline. Karachi Port and Port Qasim are the country’s primary maritime gateways, handling a substantial portion of Pakistan’s international trade. These ports serve as essential hubs for the import and export of goods, contributing significantly to the nation’s economy.
The coastline is also strategically important for Pakistan’s naval operations, offering a direct access point to the Arabian Sea and acting as a vital security zone for the country. In recent years, the development of the Gwadar Port, located in the southwestern part of the coastline in Balochistan, has added further strategic value. As part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Gwadar Port is expected to become a key hub for international trade, enhancing Pakistan’s connectivity with China, Central Asia, and the Middle East.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many borders are there in Pakistan?
Pakistan shares borders with four countries: India, China, Afghanistan, and Iran, as well as a coastline along the Arabian Sea.
What is the total length of Pakistan borders?
The total length of Pakistan’s borders is approximately 6774 kilometers (4209 miles).
Which is the longest border of Pakistan?
The longest border of Pakistan is India. This border, often referred to as the International Border (IB), spans approximately 3,323 kilometers (2,065 miles).It stretches from the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir in the north to the Sir Creek area in the Arabian Sea in the south.
Which is the shortest border of Pakistan?
The shortest border of Pakistan is with China, spanning approximately 559 kilometres (347 mi). This border lies in the northern region, primarily in Gilgit-Baltistan, and includes the Khunjerab Pass,
Which line separates India and Pakistan?
The line separate India and Pakistan is called the Radcliffe Line. It was demarcate in 1947 during the partition of British India, under the guidance of a British lawyer, Sir Cyril Radcliffe, who chaired the boundary commission.
What is the name of the border between Kashmir and Pakistan?
The border between Pakistan-administered Kashmir and Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir is known as the Line of Control (LoC).
The LoC is not an internationally recognize border but a de facto boundary established after the 1972 Simla Agreement, following the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. It serves as a ceasefire line between the two regions, with heavy military presence on both sides.
This line is distinct from the Radcliffe Line, which separates India and Pakistan proper.
What is the total length of the Pak-China border?
The total length of the Pakistan-China border is approximately 559 kilometres (347 mi). This border lies in the northern region of Gilgit-Baltistan, part of Pakistan-administered Kashmir, and connects to China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.
What is the total length of the Pak-India border?
The total length of the Pakistan-India border is approximately 3,323 kilometers (2,065 miles). This border is divide into different segments:
- International Border (IB): The officially recognized boundary, stretching from the Gujarat-Rajasthan sector in the south to the Punjab sector and beyond.
- Line of Control (LoC): A de facto border in the Kashmir region, established after the 1971 Indo-Pak War and the 1972 Simla Agreement.
- Working Boundary: Refers to the border in the Sialkot-Jammu sector, separating Pakistani Punjab from Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir.
- Sir Creek: A disputed area in the Rann of Kutch near the Arabian Sea.
This border is one of the most sensitive and heavily militarized in the world.
What is the length of the Pak-Afghan border?
The Pakistan-Afghanistan border, also known as the Durand Line, is approximately 2,640-kilometre (1,640 miles) long. This border stretches from the Wakhan Corridor in the north to the border with Iran in the south.
What is the total length of the Pak-Iran border?
The total length of the Pakistan-Iran border is approximately 909 kilometers (565 miles). This border lies in the southwestern part of Pakistan, separating Balochistan province from Iran’s Sistan and Baluchestan province.
How long is the Arabian Sea and Pakistan border?
The Arabian Sea coastline of Pakistan is approximately 1,046 kilometers (650 miles) long. It stretches along the southern border of Pakistan, primarily in the provinces of Sindh and Balochistan.
What is the name of Pak-China’s border?
The border between Pakistan and China is known as the China-Pakistan Border or Pak-China Border. It is often referr to in the context of the Khunjerab Pass, which is the main crossing point.
What is the name of India’s Pakistan border?
The border between India and Pakistan is commonly referred to as the International Border (IB). It was establish following the partition of India in 1947 and is officially known as the Radcliffe Line, named after Sir Cyril Radcliffe, who was tasked with delineating the boundary
What is the name of Pakistan-Afghanistan border line?
The border between Pakistan and Afghanistan is known as the Durand Line, this Durand Line stretches from the Wakhan Corridor in the northeast to the Iranian border in the southwest.
What is the name of Pak-Iran’s border?
The border between Pakistan and Iran is commonly referred to as the Pak-Iran Border. It is also known as the Goldsmid Line, which was establish in the 19th century during British colonial rule.
What is the name of the Pakistan-Arabian Sea border?
The border between Pakistan and the Arabian Sea does not have a specific name like some land borders. It is commonly referred to as the Pakistan Coastal Border or simply the Pakistan-Arabian Sea Border or mostly referred as Coastline of Pakistan.