From Jihad’s Glory to National Unity: Law, Peace, and Stability in Afghanistan | Speech at Ceremony

Keypoints:

• Historical Struggle: Afghanistan’s identity shaped by three major jihads and resistance to foreign invasions.
• Unity & Faith: Afghans unite around Islam and national survival, paying high costs for freedom.
• Constitution & Stability: Current system based on law ensures continuity, governance, and national unity.
• Social Cohesion: Generational divisions must be bridged to build trust, resilience, and security.
• Peace & Security: Extremism rejected; security forces protect citizens, guided by religious legitimacy.
• National Jihad Today: Focused on fighting poverty, corruption, insecurity, and lawlessness.
• Regional & Development Vision: Afghanistan aims to be Asia’s hub of connectivity, trade, and prosperity.
• Citizen Empowerment: 100-day plan ensures tangible progress in livelihoods, stability, and governance.

(Translation) 

Salamkhana Palace, Kabul

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful Honorable leaders of the Jihad, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, Afghanistan is a land of courage and struggle. In our recent history, we have experienced three defining jihads: the First Anglo-Afghan War, the decisive jihad of our people in the Second Anglo-Afghan War, and our historic resistance against the Soviet invasion—an effort that reshaped a significant part of the world, from Central Asia to Eastern Europe, and inspired freedom for other nations.

In each of these struggles, the Afghan people united around faith and a shared vision. During the Second Anglo-Afghan War, a British officer recorded that the jihad began on the day of Ashura in Kabul, and Afghans came forward fearlessly, undeterred by death or bullets. History teaches us that when the survival of nation and homeland is at stake, Afghans sacrifice personal safety for the collective good.

Our jihad has two defining characteristics. First, the Afghan response is unpredictable to outsiders. The British entered our land with confidence, only to face unimaginable challenges upon their forced withdrawal. Second, Afghans are willing to pay the highest price for their cause. According to World Bank estimates, our jihad against the Soviet Union cost over $220 billion, displaced ten million compatriots, and claimed the lives of 1.5 million martyrs.

Yet, history also reminds us that states often collapse during times of conflict. After the First and Second Jihads, Afghan governments fell. By the onset of the Third Jihad, Daoud Khan’s administration, weakened from within, had collapsed. We inherited a broken state and had to rebuild from scratch. This was true for Amir Dost Muhammad Khan and Amir Abdur Rahman Khan, who both spent decades reconstructing governance after conflict.

Today, after our own struggle for independence, we have established a republic under a constitution—our guarantee of continuity, stability, and lawful governance. Afghanistan’s past taught us that unity is fragile. Political disunity has repeatedly allowed the strong to dominate. Today, we are fortunate to operate under a system anchored not in individuals but in law. Our Constitution is our protector, and through it, we aim to build durable stability. A strong society respects the law and moves beyond fear and suspicion.

Social cohesion is another pillar of stability. In Afghanistan, generations have experienced conflict differently—pre-war, jihad and migration, civil war, Taliban rule, and recent years. These varied experiences shape our understanding and our challenges in forging mutual trust. Afghanistan must now overcome these divisions to form a resilient and unified society. All citizens must extend their hands to one another, fostering hope, confidence, and a sense of security for the future.

International terrorism seeks to rob us of this stability. Extremists attack our people, destroy homes, and claim to act in Islam’s name. Yet the global community supports us, recognizing that terrorism does not represent Islam. I thank our scholars, who in their recent assembly denounced extremism and reinforced this truth. I also commend our brave security forces, who, guided by these religious directives, stand against terrorist networks and protect our nation.

As the Quran says: “Permission [to fight] is given to those who are oppressed… Indeed, Allah is Powerful in their support.” (Surah Al-Hajj, 39) And yet, as Allah commands, “Peace is better” (Surah An-Nisa, 128). Afghanistan seeks not war, but enduring peace—the foundation of stability, prosperity, law, and development.

Fellow citizens, our national unity government assumed responsibility under difficult circumstances, inheriting budget deficits, corruption, and disregard for law. Through building strong institutions and sound policies, we aim to leave a legacy of sustainable stability for future generations.

We have already initiated key reforms:

• Removing the gap between religious institutions and the state, ensuring our scholars can guide society constructively.

• Strengthening the Ministry of Martyrs and Disabled to provide lasting support and opportunities for these citizens.

• Continuously benefiting from the counsel of our experienced leaders while empowering the next generation of educated Afghans to serve the nation.

Our government is committed to continuing the honorable jihad of our people—this time, against poverty, corruption, insecurity, and lawlessness. Sustainable peace and development require national and international cooperation. We are pursuing an active regional policy to position Afghanistan as a hub of connectivity—linking East to West, and North to South across Asia.

The first phase of this framework is complete, and the government now focuses on empowering citizens, guided by our one-hundred-day action plan. I assure my fellow Afghans that decisive steps are underway to improve lives, secure livelihoods, and build a brighter future. Long live Afghanistan! Zindabad Afghanistan!