Management of the Taftan and Chaman Borders: Challenges, Successful Models, and Way Forward
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14581221Keywords:
Pakistan, Iran, Afghanistan, Border Management, Taftan, ChamanAbstract
Purpose: This paper examines the challenges and opportunities in managing the Taftan and Chaman borders shared by Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan. It identifies key issues like trade irregularities, smuggling, and security concerns while recommending actionable strategies for improvement.
Design/Methodology/Approach: The study employs a qualitative approach, using interviews with traders and officials, focus group discussions, and case studies of successful trade models such as barter trade and digitalized border systems. Limitations include restricted access to sensitive security data and reliance on secondary sources for historical analysis.
Findings: The research highlights mismanagement, lack of formal trade mechanisms, and weak governance as major challenges. Implementing regulated barter trade, border digitalization, and cross-border cooperation can transform these borders into hubs of legal commerce and economic integration.
Implications/Originality/Value: The study underscores the socio-economic benefits of improved border management, particularly for marginalized border regions. It introduces the innovative idea of the Commonwealth of Khorasan, a regional economic bloc fostering cultural and economic ties, offering a sustainable framework for peace, prosperity, and regional stability.
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