A number of Afghan political figures and Pashtun activists have emphasized the importance of preserving Afghanistan’s territorial integrity, arguing that no part of the country’s territory should be ceded.
The remarks came during a podcast discussion on Afghanistan’s political and security situation over the past two decades, featuring Wahid Omar, an advisor to former President Ashraf Ghani; university professor and former presidential cultural advisor Mohabbat Shah Mohabbat; and former Interior Ministry advisor Edris Stanikzai.
The participants stressed that provinces and regions including Badakhshan, Panjshir and Bamyan are integral parts of Afghanistan’s geography and should be protected as part of the country’s national interests.
Mohabbat Shah Mohabbat placed particular emphasis on Badakhshan, saying that, for him, the province holds greater importance than Waziristan. He also highlighted the significance of Panjshir and Bamyan.
“In exchange for one inch of Badakhshan’s soil, one could turn a blind eye to all of Waziristan,” Mohabbat said, underscoring his view of Badakhshan’s strategic and national importance.
The discussion comes amid wider concerns over Afghanistan’s territorial integrity, border issues and the country’s relations with neighboring states. The speakers argued that protecting Afghanistan’s geographical boundaries should remain a central national priority regardless of political differences.
Their comments also reflect broader debates among Afghan political and civil society figures about national sovereignty and the importance of maintaining the country’s territorial unity.
The discussion highlights the continuing sensitivity surrounding Afghanistan’s borders and disputed or strategically important regions, particularly as security and political developments continue to shape the country’s future.