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Border Management System: The Digitalization of Pak - Afghan

Border
Dr. Ashfaq Ahmed, Hamayoun Khan, Dr. Sadia Fayaz
Assistant Professor Department of Politics & International Relations (DPIR), University of Sargodha, Pakistan
Former Faculty Member National Defence University Islamabad. Currently working as a Programme Advisor
Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Islamabad Pakistan
Assistant Professor Department of Political Science Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University Peshawar

ABSTRACT
Border security has a direct impact on economic development, internal security, foreign relations
particularly with neighbours and national sovereignty. Professionals, well-trained border officers and
structured organizational mechanism ensure efficient border management preventing human and
drug-trafficking, smuggling, terrorists’ infiltration and illicit arms trade. Authors have discussed the
nature of complexity in border’s domain particularly Pak – Afghan border in this paper. It highlights
how porous border increases intensity of terrorism in Pakistan particularly in tribal agencies. Further,
efficient border management in the light of the United Nations Security Council Resolution
(UNSCR) 1373 is a necessity. Consequentially, this paper suggestive in nature proposes installation
of new mechanism including camera towers, thermal imaging cameras, Kamikaze drones, mobile/
vehicle based platforms, radars, sensors, infrared cameras, Border Patrol and Small Tactical Units and
Universal Registration Client (URC).

Keywords: Pakistan, Afghanistan, UNSCR 1373, Ukraine, Border Security Management

1 Introduction

Theory of social contract (Neidleman, 2012) requires every citizen to abide by state laws in return state will provide
them security against internal and external enemies. Conversely, people residing within a country must comply by its
legislation. The range under which a state's power reaches is regulated by its borders. Andorra (120-
kilometer) border with France and Spain, which was formalized on September 8, 1278 (Ecardt, 2005), is the world's
oldest border. The Treaty of Paris, signed in 1783, established the boundaries of the fledgling United States (Jedson,
2006). The Belarus-Ukraine Common Border Management System (CBMM) aims to improve border and migration
management between the two countries (Zaitsev, 2013). The project's overall goal was to create a unified border
management system and increase operational capacity for managing migration processes and flows, according to
IOM Minsk. To preserve its resources, ethnic, religious, or economic populations, states used military or law
enforcement to maintain borders. On paper, it appears to be a simple operation, but in reality, it is one of the most
complex phenomenon.

Border is the line/edge that separates two states. Countries, states, provinces, counties, cities, and towns are all
divided by them. Border security has a direct impact on economic development, internal security, foreign relations
particularly with neighbours and national sovereignty. Conversely, efficient border management requires
professionals, well-trained border officers and structured organizational mechanism. Border security force inhibits
illegitimate movement of armaments, terrorists’ entry, narcotics, illegal importations and human trafficking while
permitting legitimate entry and exit. It ensures smooth process of maintaining an open and secure border that
enables people and goods to flow freely. Recognizing that trade is an essential contributor to the nation's overall
social and economic growth. People and goods movements have expedited significantly over the last two decades as
a result of internationalization, demanding the modification of immigration and border management systems to
better and more efficiently handle people movements and trade. As a result, states have encountered and continue
to face a shared challenge: facilitating legitimate people and products movement while maintaining safe borders.

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Pakistan shares borders in with Iran in the West, Afghanistan in the northwest and north People’s Republic of
China. India-Pakistan share border in the East and Southeast of Pakistan. Its southern border is formed by the
Arabian Sea's coast (Pakistan Country Profile, 2022).

In this paper, authors will discuss the nature of complexity in border’s domain. The study aims to highlight the
management of Pakistan’s border with on Western border particularly with Afghanistan. The first part will deal with
what is the nature of Pakistan's Border Management System (BMS) with Afghanistan? What has Pakistan done in
recent years, and what needs to be done to improve management effectiveness? The key constituent is that
instability in Afghanistan affects Pakistan's security and further can reduce the potentials of economic connectivity
projects and the BMS can fall off this roadblock.

Pak- Afghan Border

Pakistan-Afghanistan border comprises of deserts, high mountain ranges, narrow valleys and barren areas. Both
countries have nine formal border crossings including the three international crossings while another six are
bilateral. It is porous and most perilous border in the world. Border security poses existential threat for security
personnel due to presence of terrorists in Afghanistan near Pakistani border.

In 2016, Pakistan launched border management campaign on Durand Line to fence, build fortress, make
checkpoints and dug trenches on 2600 kilometers (KMs) long border with Afghanistan (Pakistan Hell-bent on,
2022). Eleven out of thirty-four provinces of Afghanistan are connected with Pakistan (Pakistan and Afghanistan,
n.d.). Pakistan and Afghanistan needs a better-managed western border. Ahmer Bilal Soofi while commenting on
the Durand Line's international status highlighted the restricted nature of ancient easement rights. Easement rights
endow divided tribes living across international borders to cross international border without any restrictions
(Ahmed Bilal Soofi, 2016). Preventing violation of easement right and to better regulate Pakistan-Afghanistan
international border special identification cards should be issued to the members of divided clans.

The United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1373 states that Afghanistan and Pakistan are required to
"deny safe haven to those who finance, plan, support, or commit terrorist acts, or provide safe havens," as well as
"prevent those who finance, plan, facilitate, or commit terrorist acts from using their respective territories for those
purposes against other states or their citizens," (Resolution 1373: Threats, 2001). Furthermore, it is recommended
that the Pakistani government consider enacting comprehensive legislation that would allow it to document anyone
who crosses the Durand Line. The proposed legislation should define easement rights users and give specific
'easement right user IDs' to those who fall into this group in order to establish an effective system of checks and
balances along the Durand Line.

In the immediate period of post 9/11 era, militant activities of Taliban and Al-Qaida remnants in Pakistan's tribal
areas, where these groups flourished, worsened security situation. Till now Pakistan is facing its long term
challenges. The armed confrontation in Afghanistan has had a substantial impact on the emergence of a loosely
structured Al-Qaida and Taliban in Pakistan's tribal areas. In 2001, United States (US) air force bombarded Tora
Bora mountains to eradicate Al Qaeda leadership. It endowed Al Qaeda and particularly Taliban remnants culturally
connected and familiar with geographical terrain to take refuge in tribal areas of Pakistan near Afghanistan (Zaidi,
2010). The 2004, Shakai accord was signed between Commander Nek Muhammad and Pakistani government (Fair
& Jones, 2010). The pact obligated Pakistani government to grant 40,000,000 rupees to local tribes in its endeavor to
counteract fragility of border. Truce exposed fragility, porous nature of Pak-Afghan border, absence of border
security force and rule of law. It laid and cemented the foundations for terrorists to emerge as a parallel government
in tribal areas. Consequentially, law and order situation as stated earlier completely deteriorated in Pakistani tribal
areas.

Terrorists fright activities includes,

i)- kidnapping of American soldiers/nationals from Afghanistan and imprisonment in Pakistani tribal areas,
ii)- illegal arms imports,
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iii)- targeted killings of tribal elders,

iv)- concentration of foreign terrorists in the region,
v)- banned female education,
vi)- collection of extortion money,
vii)- human rights violations by terrorists and,
viii)- forced local population to flee their ancestral lands.

Problems e.g., terrorists’ activities, concentration in tribal areas, accelerated pace of criminal activities, strategic
instability, flow of billions of American dollars to Afghanistan annually resulted in depreciation of Pakistani currency
and smuggling of house-hold commodities resulted in inflation and price hike. Militancy proliferated to settled areas
of former North West Frontier Province (NWFP). Wide-spread bombings at public and religious places across
Pakistan became common phenomenon. It left deep imprints on local values, culture and religious orientation.
Worsened security situation hindered development in tribal areas, created gulf between local masses and the
government. People of tribal areas though have been merged in Khyber Pakhtoon-Khwa (KPK) province however,
feel alienated. Afghanistan based terrorists recruited and infiltrated suicide bombers via unmanned, unguarded Pak-
Afghan border to kill security officials or wreak havoc in Pakistani metropolitans or abroad. Allegedly, Faisal
Shahzad mastermind of foiled Time Square New York attack traveled to North Waziristan for bomb training (Times
Square Bomb, 2010). In May 2010, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) slain leader Hakim Ullah Mehsud based in
North Waziristan in a video message claimed responsibility of foiled attack. In video message he threatened to carry-
out attacks in American cities (Corera, 2010). Presence of foreign terrorists threatened Western Capitals this all
stemmed from poor border management. Consequentially, US adopted twofold strategy first it tracked and killed
Hakim Ullah in a drone attack on January 12, 2012 (Roggio, 2012). Secondly, pressurized Pakistan to launch military
operation in North Waziristan. In 2012-13 cross-border attacks on Pakistani security officials and militancy in tribal
areas generated debate in Pakistan. Epicenter of these discussions had been to improve border management and
regulations.

Inference drawn after strategic appraisal of Pakistan-Afghanistan border is porous and unguarded international
border is mother of all evils. Strategic planners in Pentagon well realized porous nature of Pak- Afghan border
intensified insurgency in Afghanistan rather US mainland is directly threatened. Admiral Mike Mullen tagged North
Waziristan as the epicenter of terrorism. Former president Barack Obama said controlling the Durand Line is key to
winning Afghan war (Pakistan Border Region, 2015). Authors believe porous nature of Pak-Afghan border enabled
US to easily detect terrorist leaders cross-border movement and eliminate them in precision drone strikes.

During Ashraf Ghani administration bilateral relations between two neighbours reached their lowest following a
number of clashes along the Pak-Afghan border. Pre-Taliban era was marked with cross-border exchange of firing
resulting in fatalities on both sides (Khan, 2017). Afghanistan opposed Pakistan's reconciliation efforts and
proposals to prevent cross-border infiltration. After Taliban’s takeover of Kabul, it was hoped boundary issue will
be permanently settled. Surprisingly Afghan Taliban regime introduced changes in its erstwhile policy towards
Pakistan. New generation of Taliban rightly termed as neo-Taliban have adopted tougher stance vis-à-vis Pakistan
on border settlement issue. In January, 2022 Abdul Qahar Bulkhi, Taliban Foreign Ministry’s spokesperson
highlighted Pak-Afghan border problems. Taliban categorically opposed building of security check post and claimed
to prevent Pakistan from fencing Durand Line (Sukheja, 2022). Theocratic regime in Kabul is following the
footprints of its predecessor hence opposed to border fencing. Variables that have made Pak-Afghan border
contentious remains unresolved. Pakistan's efforts to secure the border are replied with stern resistance.

Border Management System-Model

BMS is an extremely significant and challenging task to guard, defend and ensure territorial sanctity of a state’s
borders. Border patrolling officials cannot afford to lower their guards or reduced readiness as it can result in
unpleasant consequences. Border surveillance is all weathers round the clock process. Advances in technology have
transformed border management into an early warning threat assessment mechanism. Deployment of state of the art
surveillance technology on borders and modern methods can overcome border management problems. Artificial
intelligence (AI) or high-tech surveillance system create invisible barrier to secure vulnerable border areas and
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infiltration routes resultantly patrolling units timely detect potential threats. Efficient use of AI capacitates border
patrolling units to effectively control, manage and respond to illegal migration or non-traditional sources of conflict.

BMS Recent Examples

The then United States (US) President Donald Trump was concerned and wanted to prevent Mexican infiltration it
was proposed to create series of vertical barriers along the border known as construction of wall (Rodgers & Bailey,
2020). India introduced Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS) (Asri, 2018). In 2018,
Indian Border security force officials and Home Ministry revealed that Indian high-tech smart-fencing surveillance
gadgets include thermal imaging, infrared, laser activated barriers and anti-infiltration alarms (India Building New,
2020). Delhi based Laser Science and Technology Center (LASTEC) developed and installed forty units of laser
fence along Pakistani border (Enemies Are Too, 2019). New Delhi fenced its international border after thorough
examination and identifying the infiltration roots of illegal migrants, criminals and militants. High-tech border
surveillance system will provide in time exact information of the location, direction and speed of infiltrators to
Border Security Forces (BSF). Agile BSF will round the clock keep an eye on illegal movement at the border.
Significant feature of this high-tech surveillance system is the operator remains invisible to the enemy. CIBMS thus
will ensure upper hand of the Indian security officials to select time and nature of response in dealing with
infiltrators.

The Rationale Behind the Present Border Management System for Pakistan
This section briefly analyses potential challenges that necessitated Pakistani security apparatus to introduce Border
Management System. Pakistan spent US $ 532 million to fence Pak- Afghan border (Mir, Olson, & Watkins, 2022)
to prevent terrorists’ infiltration into Pakistan. However, Afghan security officials intermittently opened firing on
Pakistani security officials to stop the process. Fundamental reason behind border fencing had been to,

i. Stop criminals, smugglers, human/drug traffickers and terrorists from infiltrating into Pakistani territory.
Fencing of Pak-Afghan border proved to be effective strategy in successfully preventing illegal cross
border movement of miscreants. Consequentially, incidents of terrorism were dramatically reduced in
Pakistan.
ii. Various governments in US and Afghanistan repeatedly alleged Pakistan of providing safe heavens to
terrorists and cross border terrorism. Border fencing was aimed to prevent terrorists from easily entering
and seeking refuge in Pakistani tribal areas.
iii. Terrorists organizations proliferated across Pakistan. Over 3,75,000 Intelligence Based Operations (IBOs)
were conducted (Khan M. A., 2021) to prevent heinous acts of terrorism and to arrest or kill terrorists.
Effective BMS became a prerequisite for government of Pakistan.
iv. Porous borders made it easy for hostile intelligence agencies to radicalize Pakistani youth, create terrorists’
sleeper cells, train, finance, arm, direct, infiltrate terrorists and operate terrorists’ organizations in Pakistan.
Foreign hostile agencies used terrorists to attack Pakistani security forces, carryout targeted killings in
Karachi, sabotage China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), attack foreign diplomatic councils and
foreigners particularly Chinese across Pakistan.
v. Attacks on Sri Lankan Cricket Team led to suspension of international sports events in Pakistan. Coverage
of terrorists’ incidents by international media affected foreign direct investment (FDI) and tourism industry
in Pakistan.
vi. Border dispute sours Pak- Afghan bilateral relationship. Border fencing by Pakistani security forces was
considered as demarcation of Durand Line to permanently resolve bilateral mistrust, settle ethnic,
geographical and security problem emanating from border dispute.

Worrisome aspect of instability in Pakistan tribal areas includes illegal migration and terrorists’ infiltration in
Pakistan. Fahad Marwat spokesman Jandullah confirmed that delegation of Islamic State (IS) fighters visited
Balochistan in 2013. Intelligence report of Balochistan government warned of IS presence in province and also
claimed LeJ, Jandullah and IS has joined hands in 2015 (Adil, 2015). History confirms that militant groups have
tactically retreated and resurfaced. It was demonstration of strong survival instinct. In July, 2020, United Nations
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(UN) prepared report for UN Security Council (UNSC) claimed presence of 6,500 Pakistani origins militants in
Afghanistan. Primary motive of these militants is to carryout targets inside Pakistan. In prevailing circumstances
geo-economic framework based on neo-liberal institutionalism rather than geo-strategic framework is key to survive.
(Ahmed et al., 2022; (Iqbal, 2020). The responsibility of January 3, 2021, massacre of Hazara coal miners in Machh
was claimed by Afghanistan based ISKP through its Amaq News Agency (Zafar, 2021). Inhumane act of terrorism
ring alarms of spillover effects of uncertainty and increasing insecurity in Afghanistan into Pakistan. Instability poses
serious impending threats to Pakistan’s internal security and CPEC projects.
Options for Pakistan
This section discusses available options for Pakistan’s border security authorities to professionally manage and
prevent illicit human trafficking, thwart cross border terrorism and smuggling. Territorial sovereignty can be better
guarded and well protected with digitalization of Pakistani borders. Application of sophisticated technology instead
of physical barriers for border security, surveillance and intelligence gathering is known as smart wall. It can be used
as primary as well as secondary barrier keeping in view the requirements of the terrain to stop terrorists’ infiltration
into Pakistan.

Installation of high-tech surveillance system to evolve virtual fence on the border is becoming necessary to avoid
security fallout from changing situation in Afghanistan. Taliban of recreated Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan under
February 2020 Peace Agreement with US pledged that Afghan soil will not be allowed to be used against US and its
allies. Taliban leaders have provided similar assurances to neighboring states. Taliban offensive against ISKP and
TTP fighters will force them to flee Afghanistan and enter into Pakistani territory. Deployment of smart
surveillance system to monitor border is considered as smart answer to challenging task of securing rough,
underdeveloped perilous border lacking basic infrastructure and human resource.
Smart walls evolved with the help of AI ensure uninterrupted border security. High-tech surveillance system in-time
interception will prevent terrorist infiltration. AI also reduces increased reliance on manpower. It will reduce attacks
targeted against security personnel. Instead small tactical units can be evolved to arrest or force terrorists to return
to their launching pads across the border in Afghanistan. In pursuit to transform and digitalize Pakistani borders
exercise will be required to map and identify vulnerable areas. Subsequently, virtual fence with the help of camera
towers, thermal imaging camera, thermal drone imaging camera, agent vehicles or mobile- vehicle based platforms,
radars, infrared cameras, sensors, border patrol, facial recognition system or Universal Registration Client can be
constructed.
Camera towers on border can live transmit video to Command and Control (C2) System. It will fill the
vacuum and cover loopholes. Creation of smart wall will empower C2 to have increased vigilance and
situational awareness without physical presence of the patrolling units. Camera towers can intercept and
provide early warning and protection to security officials against terrorists’ ambush. Incorporation of AI in
border management will nullify tactical advantages enjoyed by terrorists. Installation of camera towers in
insurgency hit Balochistan can reduce terrorist movement, attacks and ambush against security officials and
challenges posed to CPEC and Chinese nationals.
Thermal imaging camera detects radiation/heat naturally released/emitted from an object. It can mirror
images in real time on computers and larger screens. Substance of the matter is thermal imaging cameras does
not require light source to create an image. Consequentially, it can be used covertly in complete darkness, at
day-time as well as low-light situations including fog, smoke and dust. Even objects underneath surface of other
objects can be detected with camera. These features enable border patrolling officials to guard national frontiers
efficiently. In prevailing circumstances Pakistani authorities equipped with long-range thermal imaging cameras
can easily detect unwarranted movement of humans and vehicles. Long range up to 50 Kilometers also ensures
safety and security of patrolling officials.
Thermal Drone Imaging Camera
US used drone technology either to monitor terrorists’ movement or to eradicate terrorists in Yemen, Somalia,
Afghanistan and Pakistan. Recently, Israeli used drone to target General Sulemani. Use of long range thermal
imaging cameras by drone can enable security officials responsible for counterterrorism operations in tribal
areas, KPK and Balochistan to search large swathes of rugged mountains by measuring surface temperature to
better understand surface characteristics. Thermal drone imaging camera can enable operators to timely detect

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emerging threat and neutralize it. This technique can prevent ambush planned against security officials and save
precious lives.
Kamikaze Drones
Thermal drone imaging camera or ground deployed teams equipped with thermal imaging camera can detect
terrorists particularly in rugged mountains. Cost-effective Kamikaze drones can be effectively used against
terrorists group infiltrating Pakistan or hiding to ambush security/ paramilitary officials and terrorists fleeing
after carrying out attacks on security forces check posts, cantonments and forts in insurgent hit-areas. Compact
size, hard to detect, ability to catch terrorists off-guard and the capacity of drone operator to abort mid-flight
mission makes Kamikaze drones perfect weapon against terrorists in insurgent hit-areas. Use of compact cost-
effective Kamikaze drones will pose a unique challenge to terrorists and minimize Pakistan’s security forces
casualties. It can be acquired from Turkey under transfer of technology agreement for Kamikaze missions.
Mobile or Vehicle-based Platforms
Presence of insurgent groups on Pakistan-Afghanistan border are cause of concern for Pakistan. Terrorists are
familiar with terrain hence enjoy tactical and operational advantages vis-à-vis Pakistan. Long range automated
sniper rifles further increases magnitude of threats posed to Pakistani border patrolling units. Formidable
challenges require vibrant responses. Agent vehicles also known as mobile or vehicle based platform or
computer equipped border control vehicles can operate independently. However, these vehicles are connected
to Command and Control Center (C3). Light weight vehicles are easier to be quickly deployed and to take it
anywhere. Vehicle can be fitted with advance radars, electro-optical and thermal imaging system to perform
reconnaissance and surveillance missions (All Terrain Self-Contained, n.d.). Consequentially, it is an adequate
response to cope with wide-range of actual and potential threats.
Radars
Deployment of ground surveillance radars on or near the border area can help in detecting and reducing
multiple threats simultaneously. Specifically designed radar panels evaluates nature of potential threats, specify
speed, course and exact location. Sophisticated technology enables the operators to scan potential threats even
beyond fence line (Border Surveillance: 360, n.d.). Radars are designed to intercept and prevent illegal migration
and drug cartels from crossing national frontiers. Successful interception of terrorists’ movement can prevent
manmade major disasters.
Infrared Cameras
United States (US) introduced Secure Fence Act to stop drug traffickers and illegal migration in US in pursuit to
better manage border with Mexico. US Border Patrol Tucson Sector Headquarters based in Arizona relies
heavily on technology to guard 90,000 square miles of desert to prevent illegal migration and drug trafficking
from Mexico into US. South Western border management authorities in New Mexico and Arizona are using
forward looking infrared camera also known as Flir. Use of infrared cameras enabled border patrol to
successfully intercept and apprehend drug traffickers in their attempt to illegally enter into US. Equipped with
Flir officials can detect man-size movement from a distance of 300 meters to 22 kilometers. It enables border
security management authorities to diligently perform their duties.
Sensors
Various sensors including ground sensors, radio frequency sensors, seismic and imaging sensors (DHS-CBP-
PIA, 2018) installation on borders can play significant role to detect illegal movement, track, identify and kill or
apprehend terrorists to minimize personal loss. System can be operated with or without wireless
communication to detect underground tunnels and on ground humans and vehicles movement. Buried
detectors can operate for nearly a decade without maintenance.
Border Patrol and Small Tactical Units can be raised on the lines of Special Services Group (SSG) to deal
with high-risk incidents on the national borders emerging from armed individuals, smugglers, lone wolf,
criminal or terrorist groups.
Universal Registration Client (URC) is a biometric enrollment application used to mechanize the collection
of high-quality fingerprint and face biometrics and other information.

Challenges for Effective Implementation of Border Management System

Border fencing by Pakistan on Pak- Afghan border was a unilateral act. Erstwhile Afghan governments and present
Taliban regime rejected it. Since the takeover of neo-regime in Kabul several incidents of dismantling the fence have
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been reported along South-Eastern Nimroz province and the Eastern Nangarhar Province. In January, 2022 Taliban
Commander Molvi SanaUllah Sangin issued stern warning against border fencing by Pakistan and said “there will be
no fencing anymore,” (Afghanistan’s Taliban Rregime, 2022). Rejection of the unilateral demarcation of the border
is primary hurdle in introducing BMS. Strategic appraisal of this tangible hurdle helps to draw several inferences.
1. Neo-Taliban regime’s physical efforts to dismantle border fence as compared to Karzai and Ghani
administrations rhetoric undermines Pakistan’s efforts to eradicate insurgency and stabilize tribal areas. It
complicates counterinsurgency efforts and poses serious threats to economy stability and internal security.
2. Porous borders breeds insurgency in Pakistan’s tribal areas controlled from Afghanistan based sanctuaries.
Economic instability prevents Rawalpindi to deploy heavily armed forces and cement control on Durand
Line. Pakistan’s strategic investment to bring Afghan Taliban, for being pro-Pakistan, in power is
seemingly a flawed thesis. Neo-Taliban regime is using Afghanistan based Pakistan centric hostile elements
as strategically valuable assets. It helps neo-theocratic regime to ensure dominant position vis-à-vis
Islamabad and incur benefits. Pakistan’s attempts to eradicate insurgency and restore stability in tribal
areas. Contrarily, Kabul’s aims to mediate between insurgents and Islamabad rather than dismantling
terrorist sanctuaries in Afghanistan conflicts with Pakistan’s national security policy.
3. Strategic appraisal of Taliban’s policies helps authors to draw inference that lack of common approach to
deal with insurgents in tribal areas failed to evolve. Contrarily, Kabul designed and implemented it’s foreign
and security policies in the light of classical realism to preserve and maximize self-interests.

Border fencing cost Pakistan, US $ 530 million. Economic cost of the proposed border security apparatus
proves to be a big substantial challenge for Pakistan. Additional cost includes future replacement of the torn
fence. In 2019, US awarded a contract worth $ 788 million to replace eighty-three miles of fence along South-
West Border (Trevizo & Schwartz, 2020).

2 Conclusion

Primary task of this paper was to highlight inherited problems of porous Pak-Afghan border resulting in economic
instability and loss of precious human lives. Certainly proposed border security mechanism is costly project. It
would put an additional burden on Pakistan’s fragile economy and allow domestic critics to oppose and further
criticize defence expenditure. Authors suggests proposed BMS equipped with AI should be initially
deployed/installed in insurgent hit areas to protect security check posts, military convoys and cantonments. Efficient
use of modern technology in counterterrorism operations will raise the cost of heinous operations and teardown
terrorists’ morale. Effectual use of commercial technology in war of attrition can prevent human and economic cost
of war. Impermeable borders are key to sustainable economic development and internal stability.
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