Pakistan rejects reports of annexation of Wakhan Corridor

January 16, 2025

By The South Asia Times

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan on Thursday rejected the reports and speculation of annexation of Wakhan Corridor.

In his maiden weekly press briefing held on Thursday, Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan firmly rejected reports suggesting the annexation of the Wakhan Corridor. He emphasized that the region remains an integral part of Afghanistan.

"Wakhan corridor, what I can say is that I have seen this endless speculation. Wakhan is a part of Afghan territory. Afghanistan is a neighbor of Pakistan. We recognize its sovereignty and territorial integrity. There is no question of Pakistan having designs on one of its neighbors, the question doesn't arise. So I would deem this assertion too speculative and totally erroneous," he said.

The Wakhan Corridor, a narrow strip of territory in northeastern Afghanistan, has strategic and historical significance as it connects Afghanistan to China and borders Pakistan and Tajikistan. Speculation surrounding the region's status had recently surfaced, prompting the spokesperson to provide clarity.

Some Afghan social media users spreading the rumors that Pakistan army entered in the Wakhan Corridor and captured the strategic region.

However, Khan reiterated the commitment of Pakistan to respect the territorial sovereignty and integrity of Afghanistan. He called on media outlets and analysts to refrain from spreading unverified information that could strain regional relations.