Government’s Commitment to Security and Citizen Protection | Release of 19 Hostages in Zabul

Keypoints: 

• Hostage Release: 19 citizens freed safely; no ransom or prisoner exchange.
• Security & Operations: Army, police, NDS, and elders acted with coordination, destroying explosives labs and reclaiming Nawa district.
• Humanitarian Care: Children protected; disaster victims assisted respectfully.
• Ongoing Efforts: Government committed to freeing remaining citizens.
• Command & Oversight: President monitors forces daily via Unified Command Center.
• Vision: Peace, stability, and prosperity through unity, public will, and strong management.
• Gratitude: Thanks to security forces; blessings wished for all citizens.

Dear fellow citizens, brothers, and sisters,

Today, it is a great joy for me to announce that our nineteen fellow countrymen who were taken hostage have been released. It is a matter of pride that these 19 fellow citizens, who were held as hostages, are today safe and are guests of the government in Ghazni province. Due to unfavorable weather conditions, they could not travel to Kabul today, but they are expected to arrive soon.

From the very first day of this incident, the National Security Council, under my direct leadership, focused entirely on this matter. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to our army, police, and especially the National Directorate of Security, General Director Eng. Nabil, the NDS personnel, and our local elders. May your efforts be blessed. Security matters require careful planning, patience, and deep deliberation; without them, the lives of our citizens would be at risk.

I hope that this incident will serve as a lesson to all of us: our foremost duty is to protect the lives of our fellow citizens who are in danger. Therefore, whenever the government appears silent, it should be understood as a sign of commitment, not neglect. I want to clarify a few points: No ransom or payment has been made for the release of our citizens. I repeat: no money has been paid.

Today, no individual who is imprisoned based on proven crimes in Afghan courts has been exchanged. The government’s policy is not to exchange criminals, and it never will be. During winter in Badakhshan, an avalanche struck, and several foreign nationals were trapped in caves. When our humanitarian and disaster response teams went to assist them, some international terrorists decided to blow themselves up.

Their bodies were discovered in Badakhshan several weeks ago and, in accordance with Islamic traditions and all required religious rites, were respectfully buried. A number of children were taken under the protection of the National Directorate of Security and placed in guest houses, as they had no guardians. During the negotiations, their situation was addressed, and measures have been planned for their future care.

Our future focus remains on securing the release of the remaining fellow citizens. The details of these efforts are not for public discussion, but the government remains committed to ensuring that these citizens return safely to their families, God willing.

The final point I wish to address: according to the Constitution, the third duty of the President is to serve as the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces of Afghanistan. Currently, technologically, the Unified Command Center is connected with all 34 provinces, headquarters, and corps. Every day, I receive direct, systematic, and coordinated reports zone by zone, corps by corps, police headquarters by police headquarters, and province by province.

I want to again express my gratitude to our security and defense forces. A part of the planned operations carried out by them has been unprecedented. The entry of these forces into Nawa district, which had not been under government control for thirteen years, is a very significant step. The large-scale laboratories producing explosives have been destroyed. In other locations, when faced with unexpected operations, our forces quickly took the initiative.

From the very first day that this responsibility fell on me and our team in the National Unity Government, I had predicted that this year would be challenging. However, I reiterate the point I made then: with the help of Allah Almighty, the will of our people, and unified management, we will overcome these challenges and achieve the noble goal of this country—peace, stability, and prosperity.

I wish you a blessed day. Thank you very much for your attention. May your homes be prosperous, and may you remain in peace.