Strengthening Governance and Economic Growth at the Provincial Level

(Speech at Kandahar during a visit and meetings with citizens, officials )

Keypoints: 

• Tribute to Martyrs: Condolences and support for families of fallen heroes.
• Citizen Unity: Appreciation for public cohesion and active participation.
• Security Acknowledgment: Recognition of police, army, and intelligence contributions.
• Economic Focus: Emphasis on reconstruction, development, and local economy.
• Women’s Participation: Commending women’s role and achievements in society.
• Officials’ Contributions: Thanks to provincial, municipal, and customs officials.
• Education Improvement: Commitment to enhance universities and academic programs.
• Youth Engagement: Encouraging youth involvement and valuing their input.

First, I offer my condolences to the families of all our martyrs. May Allah keep them far from sorrow and grant the martyrs a place in Paradise. We will seek out these families; a list of every family has been taken, and assistance will be distributed to them fairly and equally.

Gratitude for Unity and Leadership

Second, I want to express my gratitude. First, to the great people of Greater Kandahar who have always kept the plume of this nation’s turban high. The fact that you are now speaking with one voice and in unity—there is no greater news than this in all of Afghanistan. I thank you for your union and your accord, and for your active participation in all affairs.

Secondly, I thank you for honoring the Governor. Anyone who honors the Governor honors me. May your homes be prosperous! May Allah keep you successful.

Thirdly, you also thanked the Police Chief, the Corps Commander, and the Director of National Security—may your homes be prosperous! I thank these officials as well, because today, security is no longer the primary concern (the biggest problem) in Kandahar.

Focusing on Development and Economy

I am very pleased that 95% of your discussion focused on the economy and reconstruction. May Allah bring about a situation where such issues are raised with us across all of Afghanistan, so that we may solve them together, God willing.

I thank the women and our sisters who have achieved great things under difficult circumstances. You have taken a significant role in the Kandahar Municipality; yesterday, some of you even came to Kabul, spoke, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart! I also thank all the representatives, senators, and the Kandahar Municipality. Under the Governor's supervision, the Municipality has achieved much in a short time.

I also thank the Director of Customs. Indeed, Kandahar has won the first place (in revenue). I had asked the security forces to assist in this area, and I thank you for that cooperation.

Education and Infrastructure

Regarding school dormitories, space must be provided for them. We will develop these plans further. Please provide your specific ideas on how we can maintain the right balance.

In the area of the University, there are clear problems. Next time I visit, I will bring Dr. Qayoumi with me. Dr. Qayoumi [1] is one of our greatest assets. He was the president of a state university in California, but he resigned and came here to work with us; he has the best ideas in this field. However, you cannot fix a university in a single day. We will work on this fundamentally and move forward.

To the Youth

Finally, regarding the views of the youth: first, I thank all the young people. I always thank you because you have made an old man young again. Every time I see you, two more hours are added back to my workday. When my leg was broken, I had dropped to eight hours of work, and everyone thought I was finished. Now, I am back to sixteen hours of work, and that is thanks to your blessing...

End Note:

1. Dr. Mohammad Humayon Qayoumi: An Afghan-American academic who served as the President of San José State University before returning to Afghanistan to serve as a senior advisor to the President on infrastructure, human capital, and technology.