Development, Security, Public Services, and Public Participation: Meeting and Speech with the People of Herat

Key Points

• Herat Leadership: Mr. Rahimi appointed to serve Herat, respecting its culture and dignity.
• Development: Expansion of districts, roads, railways, industrial parks, energy, and water projects.
• Agriculture & Livestock: Support for Afghan wheat, livestock, and food security plans.
• Governance & Transparency: Contract review, centralized funds, and promotion of Afghan-made goods.
• Civil Society & Religion: Support for scholars, mosques, and collaboration with communities.
• Women & Education: Expand women’s participation and focus on education and employment.
• National Priorities: Strengthen peace, sovereignty, and Herat as a regional hub.

The message of Khwaja Abdullah Ansari is one of stability, peace, and welfare—a message for all humanity.

When I invited Mr. Rahimi to come to Herat, I said:
“Come quickly and see how the capital of an empire preserves its noble culture.”
I thank you for showing him the grandeur of this culture. I hope that the appointment of Mr. Rahimi as a prominent figure brings satisfaction to all of you.

Previously, you requested a leader who would respect the dignity and honor of Herat, and this leader has come to serve you. I am grateful for the warm reception you offered him.

Second, on behalf of the National Unity Government, I extend my gratitude to all residents of Herat for your active participation in the elections, for the high level of civil culture you demonstrated during that process, and for your constructive suggestions.

Let me briefly outline key points:

First, I extend my appreciation to Mr. Kamran Alizai. Regarding administrative matters, I instructed Mr. Popal to take immediate measures to increase the number of districts. Plans are being prepared to expand the Shindand district. This falls within the authority of the cabinet and myself, and, God willing, this work will be accomplished promptly.

Fundamentally, you have entrusted me with a great responsibility through your vote—so large that it cannot be fully repaid in a month or even a year. Therefore, we must approach this as a bank would: repayment in installments.

We must have a practical plan to address Shindand’s developmental needs. I have asked the governor to invite scholars from Shindand and bring them to Kabul with Mr. Popal. Shindand can no longer remain a wound on Afghanistan—it has always produced heroes. May the noble soul of its martyrs rest in peace. Today, we must rebuild Shindand.

Regarding agriculture, Mr. Talib, Chairman of the Provincial Council, asked what steps we are taking. For the first time, this year, the government will purchase Afghan wheat. Previously, we neglected our own production—700,000 tons produced against 1.2 million tons consumed—and we paid extra to neighboring countries.

Since my arrival, I have held at least six meetings on wheat production. Now, an integrated plan is being implemented, including the construction of silos. I have instructed the Ministries of Defense and Interior to ensure that all procurement for the army, police, and universities comes from our own domestic production.

Livestock production is another priority. Believe it or not, we spend two billion dollars annually importing meat and dairy products. Two billion dollars! Herat, the north, and other regions of Afghanistan are not lacking resources.

I have directed the Ministry of Agriculture to prepare a 100-day plan to address these challenges, alongside other ministries. God willing, part of these issues will be resolved.

Regarding contracts and government procurement, do not blame the past, Mr. Talib. I accept full responsibility, and I will act decisively. I asked the Minister of Public Works to review all contracts, breaking large projects into smaller, manageable tasks to ensure effective work.

A 140-kilometer road was contracted for three years—does this satisfy you? It does not satisfy me. No individual, regardless of political influence, should monopolize such projects.

I personally oversee all major procurement. Every Saturday evening, accompanied by the Ministers of Justice, Economy, and Finance, I review contracts for transparency. God willing, no one will be able to solicit bribes, though political influence remains a factor. I also expect all politicians to represent the people, not themselves.

This year, our main focus will be on roads. For example, in the first six months, ministries spent only 17% of their development budget. If left unchecked, this may reach 40% by year-end. Therefore, I am centralizing funds to ensure that key projects are completed on time.

Mr. Khatibi, I instructed all government departments to prioritize Afghan-produced goods. No ministry will demand foreign goods when local alternatives exist. I have directed the Ministry of Finance to work closely with you to address seasonal tariffs and ensure domestic production is protected.

Cold storage facilities at Kandahar Airport are available for fruits from Herat and Kandahar. Mr. Sultanzoi has been tasked with ensuring that all airports transferred from international forces are available for private sector use.

Industrial parks in Herat must operate with full fairness. Any powerful figure attempting to dominate these parks will be removed under my directive.

Energy and transport are vital. Herat is one of seven major hubs of Afghanistan’s development. God willing, within one year, Herat will have uninterrupted electricity. This will enable other development initiatives.

I have redirected transmission lines to run directly from Herat to Nimroz, Farah, Helmand, and Kandahar. Alongside this, we are developing railways, gas pipelines, fiber optics, highways, and irrigation systems.

The Kamal Khan Dam project has also been approved, with the Ministers of Mines and Finance overseeing its implementation. Water infrastructure is vital for both you and the government.

Herat must become a central hub for railways. Torghundi should also be connected to Herat. The fourth phase of the Islam-Qala railway must be completed.

Currently, Afghan traders pay $1,500 per container to transport goods to Herat, and another $1,000 onward—this is unacceptable. Immediate attention is required.

I thank Dr. Saba for creating a 15-year development vision for Herat. I played a small role in facilitating it, and we remain committed to its implementation.

To the Minister of Hajj and Religious Affairs: I sincerely appreciate the support of scholars, especially Sheikh-ul-Hadith and the Quranic community, for security and defense forces. This war was imposed on us; we did not seek it. No Afghan will negotiate peace from a position of weakness. Peace must be pursued from strength, defending the constitution.

I have allocated 4,200 posts for scholars for the first time, and over 60 mosques will be completed in the next 100 days. Islamic service centers and fatwa programs are being established, alongside training for preachers.

We seek unity between mosques and the presidential office, and cooperation between schools and universities. Scholars are the inheritors of our prophets; strengthening their role is our responsibility.

The first mosque renovation is underway, along with commercial and institutional infrastructure to support scholars. The Religious Affairs Directorate is a central focus.

The country is fundamentally Islamic. No foreign political philosophy outside Islam exists here. Afghan identity and Islamic values are deeply intertwined. Historically, whenever Afghanistan faced danger, people rallied under Islam.

Herat has consistently contributed heroic sacrifices. I express my gratitude to all martyrs and freedom fighters of Herat across centuries.

Civil society is also an integral part of Afghanistan’s Islamic fabric. The pulse of the people is felt in mosques, where weekly consultations are held. I consider myself responsible for preventing corruption. Together with civil society, we will monitor government actions and ensure transparency. Public and private sectors must cooperate to advance accountability.

To the Women’s Affairs Directorate of Herat: I express appreciation for your participation. The first installment of commitments has been delivered, and more will follow. Women have fundamental rights and must be fully represented across government departments, from provinces to central offices. We will ensure practical steps to expand women’s participation. Education and employment remain top priorities.

However, this year, the overarching objective is safeguarding Afghanistan’s sovereignty. Although I could have limited myself to ceremonial duties as Commander-in-Chief, it is my religious and national duty to actively oversee our armed forces.

I am deeply grateful to all security personnel and defense forces for their patriotism and service. Peace with dignity is our ultimate goal. Sustainable peace must uphold the values represented in this hall.

With God’s guidance and the determination of the Afghan people, Herat will continue to thrive as a historical and economic hub, a crossroads of Asia, and a center of civilization for generations to come.

Thank you.
Long live Afghanistan!