National Unity and Dedicated Forces: The Foundation of Afghanistan’s Security and Future

In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful

Honorable Speaker of the Wolesi Jirga, Honorable Chairman of the Meshrano Jirga, Mr. Atmar, Honorable Minister of National Defense, Honorable Minister of Interior, Honorable Director General of National Security, Honorable Chief of General Staff, Honorable Deputy Ministers, all General Officers, General Nicholson, and all members of the Resolute Support Mission, our brave soldiers, our selfless non-commissioned officers, our committed officers, and our effective generals: Peace and the blessings of Allah be upon you all!

Personal Reflection and Gratitude to the Border Forces

I will begin my remarks with a memory. In 2003, during the newly formed Transitional Government, I visited a remote part of our country in a western province. There, I encountered a soldier of the Border Forces. To fetch water, he had to trek for an hour; his uniform was torn into rags. I asked him, "What are you doing here?" He replied, "I am guarding this flag. This flag was entrusted to me, and this flag is the honor of Afghanistan."

For decades, the Border Forces have been a committed institution. Today, I first express my deepest gratitude for your hard work, your martyrs, and your sacrifices. Second, I pray for the highest paradise for all our fallen heroes.

The Fruits of the Security Forces' Sacrifice

Let me clarify one point: our security and defense forces have made immense sacrifices—they have been martyred and wounded. Was this in vain, or does it yield results? Today, I want to say clearly to all my brothers and sisters that if your sacrifices were not made on the battlefield, we could not have secured our new strategy in the political arena.

Who in this world is willing to help a country whose own security and defense forces are not willing to defend it? As your Commander-in-Chief, I am proud of you. It is the result of your sacrifices and your steadfastness that the survival of this nation has been preserved.

National Spirit and the Heroism of the Afghan People

Three years ago, the absolute majority of global and domestic commentators believed that Afghanistan’s security and defense forces would, God forbid, collapse. I tell them: take back your words. This land has always birthed heroes, raised heroes, and will continue to train heroes.

Yesterday in Azerbaijan, I mentioned a mother from Helmand. She had lost four sons as martyrs. She came to the Arg (Presidential Palace), and I said to her: "Sister, for your fifth son, I will appoint him wherever you wish—in a civilian post or anywhere else." She replied: "No! As long as I am alive and have a son, he is a sacrifice for this land!"

Therefore, it is essential that we understand our national spirit. Every soldier, sergeant, officer, and general of ours is a volunteer; no one forced them to join the ranks of the security and defense forces, nor our National Security personnel. This is the essence of national spirit and national unity. Our forces belong to all of Afghanistan, and they consider every inch of Afghan soil to be their own heart.

The Framework for the Transfer of Border Forces

1. The Necessity of a Unified Command First, a unified command is essential. You know that I constantly visit the Corps and the Police. I have lived among you since the transition period; I understand the hearts of the soldier, the sergeant, the officer, the general, and the leadership. The one thing everyone demanded for war was a unified command. In our four-year security and defense plan, as the Ministers mentioned, there will now be one unified command. The fundamental point is that previously, the army was often pinned down because a unified command did not exist across all branches. Now, ensuring that both taking and holding a position is managed by a single hand is critical. Our leadership, especially the Chief of General Staff, will carry this out successfully, God willing.

2. The Role and Appreciation of the National Police Second, as Minister Barmak stated, the request from police everywhere was to be equipped with heavy weaponry. However, the legal duty of the police was not war. I want to first thank all our police heroes. Remember, if our thirteen policemen had not sacrificed themselves on that dark day when the diplomatic area of Kabul was attacked, Kabul could have become a grave for hundreds of diplomats. The police have always sacrificed in defense of the country. This transfer is not a lack of appreciation; it is for the sake of effectiveness. Under the leadership of Mr. Barmak, the police will perform their national duties and consolidate the rule of law.

3. Greater Investment in Border Forces Third, the demand was that investment in the Ministry of Interior happened eight years after the Ministry of Defense. Particularly in the Border Forces, there is a need for major investment, similar to the Commandos and the Corps. Providing extensive facilities and bringing them under a unified command is a tough task, which is why their privileges and benefits are increasing.

Economic Objectives and National Projects

One of our major national goals is that our revenues must cover our expenses. Brothers and sisters, after sixteen years, we still haven't reached a revenue level that covers even our ordinary budget, let alone the development budget. How can a nation with our historical greatness remain forever addicted to foreign aid? Organizing the Border Forces will bring billions of dollars into the state treasury over the coming years, God willing.

Securing our revenues is a primary goal. Alongside this, the Border Forces will guard major international projects. Today, all of Central Asia, the Caucasus, Azerbaijan, and Georgia look toward Afghanistan for their future. In a few months, the TAPI project will reach our soil. Protecting these projects is a matter of national honor.

Strengthening Special Forces, the Air Force, and Offensive Posture

I must mention two major actions that will strengthen our unified command. One is a point of pride: our Commandos, who have never lost a battle or retreated. Yesterday in Baku, I proudly stated that we possess some of the best Special Forces and Commandos. Blessings upon you. The Special Operations Command has been elevated to a Corps and is doubling in size.

Furthermore, what the Afghan pilots have done in the last three years—only a hero could do that. Thank you. Now we see the results: our Air Force is tripling in size. We have moved beyond a defensive posture. Today, thanks to excellent management, all seven Corps and our Air Force are moving into an offensive state. In the next four years, rest assured that this land will have unified order and a professional, national security force, free from politics and committed to every inch of Afghanistan.

A Message to Friends and Enemies

Our friends should understand this to be reassured, and our enemies must realize that we are growing stronger day by day. Attacks in cities on mosques, holy sites, and schools are signs of the enemy's cowardice, not their strength. After three years, they no longer have the power to face us in open combat.

I want to focus on another issue: Daesh. Various short-sighted circles have spread strange propaganda. Let me state a few facts:

1. Who was the first person in this region to explain the danger of Daesh to the world and the nation? Was it not your Commander-in-Chief?

2. Show me another country in the region that has focused as much on the eradication of Daesh. 300 air strikes and 1,500 ground operations were conducted, resulting in hundreds of them being killed. Nine districts they claimed to rule have been cleared of their filth. Daesh is on the run.

Freedom of Speech and National Interests

To all brothers and sisters: freedom of speech is one thing, but the supreme interests of the country are another. Our Constitution commits us to prioritize national interests. I thank Mr. Ibrahimi and Mr. Muslimyar for leading the two houses of Parliament to represent these interests. We respect freedom of speech provided it is responsible. Anyone who claims that a high-ranking or mid-ranking official of this country is collaborating with Daesh should have the courage to come to court and prove their claim.

Look at the national spirit! Mr. Muslimyar is a witness; we were forced to drop bombs [on Daesh]. When you mobilized the people, what did they say? They said, "We will burn our own houses, bomb them, just get these people out!" This is the national spirit. Those who cast accusations should come forward and prove them.

Regarding narcotics, we have not only conducted operations but are intensifying them. We must distinguish clearly: is this a war of ideology or a war of drug money? If anyone fights for the Quran, we are eternally committed to the Quran. But if they fight for "Qabran" [money], they must take their hands off this land!

Confidence in the Security Team

I invite Mr. Atmar, the Minister of Defense, the Minister of Interior, the Director of National Security, the Chief of General Staff, the Senior Deputy Minister, and General Barikzai to join me here. These colleagues standing with me work day and night for the stability and security of this country. They are witnesses that my only request to them as Commander-in-Chief has been: "Please, get some sleep." They have answered their phones and taken action at 3:00 and 4:00 AM.

If the Director of National Security conducts investigations based on the request of the two houses of Parliament and the decisions of the Attorney General and the Courts, that is fulfilling a duty, not deviating from it. I announce to the entire nation: this security and defense team has my full confidence. More importantly, they have the confidence of the people of Afghanistan, and the trust of every soldier and officer. We often have a problem: we criticize those who are with us and working, but once they are gone, we say, "I wish we had known their value." Do you want to treat them like King Amanullah Khan was treated, or do you want to appreciate them as heroes? This is a heavy, strong, and determined team that will build this country and bring it to stability.

Gratitude to the United States and General Nicholson

Finally, I want to thank the President of the United States for his new strategy, and specifically General Nicholson, our long-term friend, and all his colleagues in the Resolute Support Mission. General Nicholson came to Afghanistan during difficult times. We had to regain the trust that had been damaged for various reasons, and we found a partner and fellow traveler who has spared no effort for the stability and defense of Afghanistan.

A Message of Peace and Future Preparedness

The core of the strategy is to create conditions where the armed opposition understands they cannot win on the battlefield. But the ultimate goal is the message of peace. We want peace. Every Afghan who calls themselves an Afghan must join hands based on the Constitution. We are one nation, and Islam holds the highest position in our Constitution, and even more so in our minds, hearts, and beings.

We must not become the tools of others to kill our own children. We must distinguish between internal peace, peace with Pakistan, and the war against terrorists. We are preparing for the worst-case scenario, but we hope for the best. Until the day a lasting peace arrives, there will not be a moment of negligence in supporting our forces.

In conclusion, I say with confidence to all our security and defense forces: today, through your sacrifice, you have earned the absolute support of the nation. The people believe in you, and as your Commander-in-Chief, I am proud of you.