“Unilaterally imposed by the British in the nineteenth century and accepted by Pakistan but never by Afghanistan, the Durand Line continues to be contested by the two states. In the literature dealing with the dispute, the Pashtun view has been missing. Now, at last, Nabi Sahak has filled this gap in an original book of real authority. We should all be in his debt.” (James Mayall, Emeritus Professor of International Relations, University of Cambridge)--------------- “The first comprehensive study of the making of the Durand Line, which has marked one of the great geopolitical fractures of the world since the nineteenth century, Sahak's book makes use of hitherto unknown Afghan sources to give a wholly original account of this crucial boundary. It will be of interest to historians as well as policymakers.” (Faisal Devji, Professor of Indian History, University of Oxford)----------------- “Drawing on previously neglected Afghan primary sources, Nabi Sahak challenges conventional narratives and reveals the true geopolitical motives behind the 1893 Durand Mission, arguing that its primary aim was to solidify Afghanistan’s northern boundary rather than redefine its border with British India. This meticulously researched work offers a reassessment of a pivotal historical moment. It is essential reading for anyone seeking a deeper, more nuanced understanding of Anglo-Afghan relations and the lasting impact of colonial diplomacy.” (Richard Caplan, Professor of International Relations, University of Oxford)----------------- “Coerced by the British upon the Afghan rulers, the Durand Line has been a persistent source of instability between Afghanistan and British India, and now Pakistan, catalysing the region’s transformation into an ongoing conflict zone. In this seminal work, Sahak transcends conventional narratives, offering a balanced and deeply researched exploration of the Durand Line's origins. He unveils a refined historical chronology, illuminating previously obscured dimensions of this contentious boundary. By dissecting historical records and presenting a nuanced perspective, Sahak provides an indispensable understanding of the Line's complex genesis and its enduring ramifications. This book is a crucial contribution to our comprehension of a geopolitical fault line along the roof of the world that continues to shape the region's future.” (James Kurth, Emeritus Professor of Political Science, Swarthmore College)---------------- “Nabi Sahak's rigorous study offers a fresh and illuminating perspective on the Durand Line dispute, challenging historical misrepresentations and shedding light on overlooked documents. By amplifying Afghan voices and examining newly uncovered evidence, it provides valuable insights for researchers and policymakers engaging with South Asia.” (Professor Michael Rainsborough, Academic Principal, Australian War College, Canberra)-------------- “Too often, the interest and expertise of scholars of South Asia diminishes rapidly into the Western and Northern realms of Pakistan. This book brings Afghanistan back into the South Asian narrative and populates it with neglected Afghan voices and source materials. This book makes a convincing and timely case that the Durand Line is not just the contested edge of South Asia, it is integral to the historical story and contemporary reality of the whole South Asia region.” (Matthew McCartney, Professor, Head of Research (Africa Urban Lab, ASE-Zanzibar) and former Director of the Contemporary South Asia Studies Programme (University of Oxford))-------------- "Unilaterally imposed by the British in the nineteenth century and accepted by Pakistan but never by Afghanistan, the Durand Line continues to be contested by the two states. In the literature dealing with the dispute, the Pashtun view has been missing. Now, at last, Nabi Sahak has filled this gap in an original book of real authority. We should all be in his debt." – James Mayall, Emeritus Professor of International Relations, University of Cambridge----------------- "The first comprehensive study of the making of the Durand Line, which has marked one of the great geopolitical fractures of the world since the nineteenth century, Sahak's book makes use of hitherto unknown Afghan sources to give a wholly original account of this crucial boundary. It will be of interest to historians as well as policymakers." – Faisal Devji, Professor of Indian History, University of Oxford---------------- The Durand Line, an enduring symbol of colonial imposition dividing British India and Afghanistan since 1893, and Afghanistan and Pakistan since 1947, fuels relentless regional instability and geopolitical strife. This book amplifies silenced Afghan voices and shatters long-held imperial narratives with new historical evidence. Through groundbreaking analysis, the author’s research uncovers the Durand Line's unlawful and unscrupulous beginnings, its deliberately skewed history, and its unceasing, devastating human consequences, laying bare a persistent legacy of colonial injustice. By exposing untold truths, this book forges essential pathways toward genuine reconciliation, making it an essential read for scholars of South Asian history and the British Empire.---------------- Nabi Sahak is an independent researcher based in the USA. A former BBC reporter, Rotary Peace Fellow, and Fulbright Scholar, Nabi has studied at George Mason University in the USA, the University of Queensland in Australia, and King's College London in the UK