Iran has taken significant steps to strengthen its eastern border with Afghanistan. According to Ali Karimi, a commander of Iran’s Border Force, all borders in the region, including the Afghanistan-Iran border, are now under round-the-clock surveillance with advanced smart equipment. Karimi noted that substantial progress has been made in building fences and walls along this border.
The Iranian commander also acknowledged the harsh climatic challenges in the region but stated that the border sealing project is advancing rapidly and achieving tangible progress. His comments underline Iran’s commitment to securing its frontier with Taliban-led Afghanistan, a nation often accused of harboring terrorism.
Iran’s Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni revealed that a draft law for the National Migration Organization has been submitted to the Islamic Consultative Assembly. This legislation aims to regulate migration and improve the management of Afghan migrants in Iran. Momeni shared optimism about the bill’s approval, emphasizing its global significance in safeguarding migrant rights.
In the past, Afghan migrant rights activist Ehsan Ahmadzai praised the initiative, stating it aligns with Iran’s international obligations. Jannat Faheem Chakari, a military analyst, added that the fortified border would reduce Afghan movements and address mutual accusations between the two nations.
Iranian officials claimed a 50% decrease in Afghan movements after completing 35 kilometers of fencing along the shared border. Despite this, the Afghan government remains notably silent about Iran’s border security measures.
This silence starkly contrasts Afghanistan’s vocal opposition to Pakistan’s efforts to secure its own border. For decades, Pakistan has extended unparalleled support to Afghanistan, hosting millions of Afghan refugees and providing humanitarian aid. Yet, when Pakistan built a fence along its border to curb terrorism and illegal crossings, the Afghan government criticized it openly.
Such contradictory behavior raises questions about Afghanistan’s selective stance. While Iran fortifies its borders with little resistance, Pakistan’s genuine efforts to ensure regional stability are met with criticism. This situation highlights the Afghan government’s inconsistent approach, ignoring Pakistan’s goodwill while tolerating similar actions by Iran.
Iran’s continued progress on the Afghanistan-Iran border fence underscores a deeper regional issue. It reveals not just Afghanistan’s silence but also its unwillingness to acknowledge the decades of support provided by Pakistan.
