Speech at 207 Zafar Corps: Commitment to the Heroes of the Army, National Security, and Defense
Key Points:
- Honor & Support: Recognize sacrifices of Afghan forces; aid martyrs’ families and wounded.
- Patriotism & Courage: Commandos, pilots, special units, and police defend the nation with full dedication.
- Merit & Recognition: Promotions based on heroism and performance, not just rank.
- Special Operations: Commend bravery of special forces and 207 Zafar Corps.
- Defense & Sovereignty: Protect families, Islam, Constitution, unity, and territory.
- Regional Focus: Southwest and north are key for economic development; forces safeguard land and independence.
- Air Force & Resources: Strengthening air capabilities; national resources committed to defense.
- National Unity & Peace: Government united; aim for sustainable peace and pride in Afghan forces.
On behalf of the people and government of Afghanistan, and all my colleagues in the cabinet, I wish to express my deepest gratitude for the sacrifices of the Afghan National Army, National Police, and National Security forces.
You have given your lives and suffered injuries in defense of this nation. May God grant paradise to our martyrs and swift recovery to the wounded, who we pray will soon return to their families.
To honor your sacrifice, I have ordered increased support and recognition for martyrs’ families and comprehensive assistance for the wounded. Every Afghan—child, woman, youth, and elder—takes pride in you.
As your Commander-in-Chief, I am honored that today our commandos, pilots, special units, corps, and police defend this land with full patriotism. God Almighty has placed upon us a war that we did not seek. Yet, as He has said, when aggression is imposed, we have the right to defend ourselves.
Over four thousand respected scholars stand behind our security and defense forces today. Your dedication and efforts unite the Afghan nation. The Chief of Staff and Corps Commanders can attest that I continuously monitor your conditions. Every soldier, officer, and police officer who demonstrates courage is recognized and appreciated. We are committed to making the culture of recognition standard across our security and defense forces.
To our brave pilots, I extend heartfelt thanks. In every operation under the 207 Zafar Corps and across Afghanistan, your actions exemplify what only an Afghan can accomplish. Henceforth, promotions will not be tied solely to rank; extraordinary advancement will be granted based on merit and heroism.
I also extend gratitude to our special forces and commandos who executed daring operations with complete bravery. I commend every battalion, brigade, and corps for their outstanding service. The 207 Zafar Corps has a distinguished history. You are the only corps in Asia that defeated a well-trained 4,000-strong British force in Helmand. You are the children of those heroes, and today the Afghan nation breathes because of your valor.
Why has this war been imposed? It is to force negotiations from a position of weakness. The government and nation of Afghanistan will never negotiate from weakness.
What is our goal? Our goal is the protection of our families, the preservation of Islam, and the defense of the Constitution. Throughout history, we have faced repeated invasions and instability. Today, we fight so that future generations of Afghans may live freely, safely, and with dignity.
Why is the conflict concentrated in the southwest and north? Because these regions are vital for Afghanistan’s economic development. Our enemies aim to deny us the opportunity to stand independently. But we are determined, and we will stand, because our heroic army, fighting police, and national security forces safeguard our land, our national unity, and our territorial sovereignty. Do not doubt this.
I assure you that every day, we support the strengthening of our air force. In the coming two weeks, you will witness significant operations. Rest assured, as your Commander-in-Chief and President, all national resources will be employed in support of our security and defense forces. They will confront the war with strength, and through them, we will achieve sustainable and dignified peace, which is our ultimate goal.
We will work with absolute determination, and be certain that within this government, there is no political division. Together, we stand united, with one voice and one purpose, behind you.
May God protect and honor you. Long live our national unity! Long live our heroic army!