Dr. Ashraf Ghani

Speech at National Celebration of Afghanistan’s Defense and Security Forces

Keypoints:

Honoring Forces: Congratulate soldiers and instructors for their dedication.
Historical Legacy: Celebrate Afghanistan’s long tradition of heroism.
National Defense: Emphasize protecting sovereignty, citizens, and law.
Defining the Enemy: Identify terrorists, traffickers, and destabilizing forces.
Unity and Inclusion: Armed forces serve all regions and ethnicities.
Modernization: Strengthen training, equipment, and operational readiness.
Civil and Family Support: Recognize families’ role and ensure care.
Peace and Security: Military service enables safe schools, work, and society.
Leadership Responsibility: Government provides resources, training, and protection.
Long-Term Vision: Plan for enduring national stability and sovereignty.

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

Distinguished brothers, Dr. Abdullah, Ustad Danesh, the Honorable Chief Justice, Speakers of both Houses of Parliament, esteemed members of the Cabinet, the Director of National Security, Mr. Atmar, General Wardak, General Mohammadi, Ustad Sayyaf, all elders, members of the National Assembly, dear generals, brave officers, soldiers, police, and non-commissioned officers: Peace, mercy, and the blessings of Allah be upon you all!

I also welcome General Nicholson and all our international partners.

First and foremost, on the occasion of National Defense and Security Forces Day, I congratulate all our security forces and the entire nation. This was your right, and from this year forward, it will be celebrated annually. The Cabinet of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, out of respect for the pure efforts and sacrifices of our forces, decided to designate Hoot 9th as the National Day to support the Defense and Security Forces in the official calendar of Afghanistan.

Ninety-eight years ago, King Amanullah Khan Gazi declared the independence of our beloved country at this very time. It is a highly appropriate decision that the national day of the defenders of independence—the defense and security forces—falls on the 9th of Hoot.

I will not repeat the words of Amanullah Khan, as the Minister of Defense and the Deputy Minister of Interior have already done so, but I hope we set one goal: to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Afghanistan’s independence in peace and prosperity at the historic Darul Aman Palace, which will be fully restored by then.

The Legacy of Valor and the Need for Order

History bears witness that our people have always been victorious and proud warriors; they have never knelt before any aggressor. The echoes of their courage and bravery have resounded through the centuries. If you seek evidence, look no further than the Shahnameh. The legends of Rustam and other heroes recorded in that masterpiece often unfolded on this very soil. This land has witnessed historical events that showcase the unbreakable bond of our people with bravery and honor.

If there have been failures in our history, they did not stem from a lack of fighting spirit or weakness on the battlefield; rather, they resulted from a lack of organization and a foundation to preserve the gains of victory and institutionalize stability. It was due to those who lacked a long-term vision for the future and failed to direct the achievements of our warriors toward the continuity of statehood and the flourishing of civilization.

Respect for Afghanistan’s security forces is rooted in our faith, culture, and history. Our heroic culture is as ancient and rich as our history itself. Terms like Ghazwa, the heroic Attan, and the collective "cries" (Chagha) of the people—shared across the diverse languages of Afghanistan—demonstrate the richness of this heritage. At every stage of history, our nation possessed social institutions to defend its soil, of which our modern security forces are the advanced, contemporary form.

To the Mothers of Heroes

Throughout history, the brave women of Afghanistan have raised the guardians of this land. I salute you, mothers! Specifically, I salute that mother who lost three sons and still lives in Kabul, telling her remaining family: "Go and defend the homeland." That mother represents all mothers of Afghanistan. We salute her.

Those standing in the trenches of truth to protect independence, order, and the rule of law are honored in our religious and national culture as Ghazis and Mujahedeen. We call those who sacrifice their lives in the path of truth "Martyrs," and today we send our blessings upon all our martyrs.

Today, the armed forces of Afghanistan stand in the trenches of truth. As Dr. Abdullah rightly said, there is no doubt that they defend the truth, and the truth always prevails. We all remember the days when we had no National Army or National Police—times when state offices were destroyed, factories were looted, and our beloved homeland had become a safe haven for the sinister scenarios of foreign killers.

Defining the Enemy

Even now, the enemies of Afghanistan want a country without an army, without police, and without a system. The enemy’s dream is an Afghanistan where roads are filled with mines, cities are rocked by explosions, and villages lack even the smoke of a hearth. To the terrorists and killers, we say: anyone who speaks of justice, humanity, and Islam is immediately targeted by you. This is unacceptable, and we will not allow it.

It is the blessing of our security forces’ sacrifices that we possess a national flag and sovereignty like other free nations. Because of them, our children study with the hope of a bright future. The courage of our forces ensures that those dark nights—when seeking knowledge was a crime and taking orders from foreign killers was a source of pride—will never return.

For centuries, the unity and victory of our people relied on having a clear definition of the enemy. Ambiguity in identifying the enemy causes sacrifices and heroics to be wasted. Today, we have a clear definition and a national consensus. Our first enemies are international terrorist groups like Daesh, Al-Qaeda, and 20 other groups that attack the lives of our people. Likewise, smugglers who sabotage our security and economy for their filthy goals, and the drug mafia who carry the weight of national treason, are our enemies. They all stand in one line against the Afghan nation to prevent the formation of a stable system and the rule of law.

A Message to the Taliban

You see the leaders of the Taliban living in luxury abroad, having multiple weddings, their children enjoying wealth, and their bank accounts growing. Meanwhile, they use a handful of ignorant, deceived people as tools for their savage war in the name of the holy religion.

Just recently, in an important security operation in Kunduz, our forces eliminated "Mullah Salam." The message from our forces to you is this: you will find no cave in any corner of Afghanistan to hide.

I ask: Are the Taliban ready to sit with the scholars of Afghanistan and debate? Is rebellion against an Islamic state permissible? Is war justified in a land where the Sharia is practiced in courts and the laws are Islamic? If their goal was reform, we are the leaders of reform. But if their goal is to find excuses for destruction, then this nation and its armed forces know exactly how to deal with those who love the enemy.

The Responsibility of the State and Society

The short-term mission of our forces is to defeat the enemy, but their long-term mission is to provide the security that allows for progress and happiness. Our cooperation with the international community is based on mutual, fundamental interests. We must ensure our security institutions plan for the next fifty years, not just the next two.

As Commander-in-Chief, I think of every detail: that our soldiers have sufficient equipment, that they are well-trained, and that corrupt elements are prevented from interfering in their work. We will protect their rights against embezzlers and national traitors. We are implementing structural reforms to move toward self-sufficiency because we cannot rely on international support forever.

However, the responsibility is not ours alone. Every sector of society must participate. Scholars (Ulema), who have historically mobilized the people against aggression, must openly support these forces. Civil society and the media must make supporting the ANDSF a core principle; if there is freedom of speech today, it is because of these brave souls standing in the heat and cold to defend us.

A Heroic Transition

Two and a half years ago, the main burden of war was on the shoulders of international forces. Today, the entire responsibility for the defense of Afghanistan rests on our own armed forces. Two years ago, some thought our forces would struggle against terrorists, but your courage and the people’s support turned those calculations upside down. You are fighting twenty different groups, and you are punishing them for their actions.

Last week, we witnessed the graduation of the 9th class of the Military Academy. Our students are winning top honors and "Sword of Honor" awards in prestigious international military universities, including in the United Kingdom. As your skills and expertise increase, your strength grows, casualties decrease, and your strikes against the enemies of humanity become more powerful.

I want to specifically thank General Nicholson, who is a great ambassador for the defense of Afghanistan and has helped secure long-term assistance for our equipment.

Our forces are truly national. They represent all provinces and fight together for one nation. We adhere to the laws of war and make every effort to prevent civilian casualties. War has been imposed upon us. We believe, as Muslims, that "there is good in peace." We seek a real peace—one where every Afghan’s dignity is protected and no one is treated with injustice.

In conclusion, I once again congratulate every citizen, especially our heroic Army, police, and security personnel, on National Defense and Security Forces Day.

Long live Afghanistan! Zindabad Afghanistan!