Strengthening Afghanistan through Security, Peace, Reform, and Unity

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Dear compatriots, brothers, and sisters,

First of all, I pray for the souls of the civilian and military martyrs who lost their lives in recent days in Kunduz, Helmand, Farah, Uruzgan, and other areas at the hands of the followers of ignorance. I express my deepest condolences to their families and wish swift recovery to the injured. I cannot ignore the immense suffering, thirst, sleeplessness, and distress of the women, mothers, children, elders, and patients who are being harmed by the enemies of Afghanistan in Kunduz and other areas. Two days ago, I ordered immediate assistance of 70 million Afghanis for civilians affected by the Kunduz fighting and urgent support of 30 million Afghanis for the war-affected people in Uruzgan. This assistance program will continue across all conflict-affected areas according to the needs of the people.

The followers of ignorance, who feel no shame in inflicting suffering, deprived many people in Kunduz of water, food, and electricity over the past few days, turning homes into fortresses.

I must thank the defense and security forces, soldiers, police, and officials of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, who once again thwarted the evil schemes of the enemies. Fresh reinforcements have arrived in Kunduz, and the enemies of Afghanistan will inevitably face the consequences of their actions. Urgent operations have also started in Farah, and in other areas attacked by the followers of ignorance, their assaults have failed or are on the verge of failure.

The recent attacks by the enemies aimed to undermine international commitments in Warsaw and overshadow the Brussels conference, to devalue the peace agreement with Hezb-e-Islami, and to disturb Afghanistan’s growing relations with India and other regional countries, including the announcement of India’s one-billion-dollar assistance. However, these attempts failed.

Thanks to God, your servants have returned from Brussels with concrete commitments from the international community: support for Afghanistan’s security and defense forces in the coming years, as well as pledges for economic assistance. Afghanistan will not be left alone. Currently, the government has access to approximately $18 billion in international aid, including $15.2 billion promised in Brussels and over $2 billion available through the Asian Development Bank, to improve the lives of Afghan people and develop the country over the next four years.

Dear citizens,

The international community’s commitments for Afghanistan reflect not only our shared interests with regional and global partners, but also the efforts of the National Unity Government to build trust and demonstrate that Afghanistan can be a responsible and reliable partner in bilateral and multilateral agreements. Maintaining balance in foreign relations and good relations with the world has always been a key factor for stability. The government has repaired past damages to foreign relations and strengthened ties with neighboring and distant countries, so Afghanistan no longer faces years of isolation and will not be alone against shared regional challenges.

As Afghanistan’s foreign relations improve and international commitments are secured, domestic reforms now take priority, as foreign assistance is not given without accountability. Each stage of aid depends on implementing programs and commitments presented to international partners in the Afghanistan Peace and Prosperity Framework.

Brothers and sisters,

While we focus on strengthening our defense and security forces, peace efforts are equally important. The enemies of our country are only thinking of war, destruction, and killing, but our goal is the prosperity and well-being of the nation. Destruction is easy, while building is difficult—a structure built over ten years can be destroyed in ten seconds. Our enemies have no plan for national development or the welfare of the people, but our Islamic, national, and human duty is to reduce the suffering of our citizens. Thanks to God, we have development plans across various sectors and have taken effective steps to implement them.

These efforts have encouraged the international community to continue and increase aid to Afghanistan. Peace is essential not only by religious duty but also to free our country from dependency and accelerate development. Based on our commitment, we have initiated talks with groups involved in conflict, and successful negotiations with Hezb-e-Islami are an example. We also seek to negotiate with Taliban factions that act for foreign interests, provided they respect the Afghan Constitution and work for the welfare of Afghanistan and Islam.

Peace is not a choice but a religious and national duty. We know the enemies have created obstacles to peace, but we are confident these will be removed. Those who continue war without regard for the cries of our women and children will face accountability in this life and the hereafter.

Dear compatriots,

I am aware of the concerns over economic stagnation due to reduced international and internal resources. Some citizens have faced hardships, and others have criticized the government for this. I assure you that these difficulties have never been overlooked, and my team and I have worked over 15 hours daily to secure resources and fulfill our economic promises. Despite intensified war and increased enemy pressure, infrastructure work has continued to prevent recession and boost economic activity.

Efforts include opening new transit routes, connecting Afghanistan to global trade networks via rail and air corridors, and creating opportunities for exports, such as air transport to India. Afghanistan’s energy projects, including over 29 hydroelectric dams like Salma and Kajaki, have progressed, producing more electricity than before. Investments in Surubi Dam, gas-based electricity production, and other projects demonstrate our strong commitment to development. Urban improvements, housing for low-income citizens, and land ownership formalization have also advanced.

Dear citizens,

Reforms are urgently needed in government, especially in defense and security sectors. Appointments must be merit-based, free from political influence. Many past failures in Kunduz, Helmand, and Uruzgan occurred due to unqualified personnel in key positions. Promotions in the army and police will now be based on performance. Political interference in security institutions must end, ensuring they remain fully professional and national.

One of the most challenging battles is against corruption and lawlessness, which harms our economy and international reputation. The government has blocked major sources of corruption and established mechanisms to combat it.

My team and I rely on substance over showmanship. Foundations for promised programs have been laid, and now hard work is required to achieve results. Officials must prioritize diligence, implement plans effectively, and ensure transparency. International aid depends on institutional capacity and results, not just publicity. No official can evade responsibility by blaming fate or misinterpreting religious matters.

Dear compatriots,

No nation advances without work. We cannot rely solely on foreign aid. Islam values work as worship, and history shows that successful nations achieve progress through their own effort. Afghanistan’s administrative system needs serious reform to turn bureaucracy into productive and accountable work.

I visited two hospitals in Kabul; one was clean and organized, the other in poor condition. This shows that effective administration is key. Our defense and security forces are strong, but professionalization and protection from political interference are ongoing needs.

Administrative reforms, improving service quality, and enhancing government efficiency must begin soon to ensure the government’s major programs succeed. Transformation is essential; it cannot occur without national will and collective effort. We must advance state-building and nation-building simultaneously, strengthen institutions, fight corruption, enforce the Constitution, and modernize management and leadership. Without comprehensive reforms, the nation risks starting from zero repeatedly, and the country will not achieve stability.

I call upon political and social actors, especially educated youth, to contribute their ideas and participate in implementation. The president alone is not responsible—success requires collective effort. Afghanistan faces complex challenges, including intelligence, narcotics, criminal economy, and extremist networks, along with regional and global influences. The fight is not only military but also psychological, as enemies aim to undermine morale. Together, we must resist these tactics and maintain the resilience of our people and soldiers.

Dear compatriots,

The time has come for step-by-step, comprehensive reforms in all government institutions. Reforms are demanded by the people, history, and justice. Let us unite in this essential and urgent endeavor.

Long live Afghanistan!
Zindabad Afghanistan!
Yashasin Afghanistan!