Message on the Occasion of Martyrs' Week

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

Dear brothers and sisters!

Once again, we stand on the eve of Martyrs' Week and the anniversary of the martyrdom of Afghanistan's National Hero, Shahid Ahmad Shah Massoud.

Martyrs' Day reminds us of the great ideals, incomparable bravery, and immense sacrifices of our nation. To preserve its dignity, sovereignty over its destiny, and the defense of its values and sanctities, Afghanistan has sacrificed its finest sons.

Commemorating Martyrs' Week means renewing our covenant with those great ideals. Those ideals are embodied in the unity of our people and the progress of Afghanistan. The martyrs of Afghanistan, regardless of their ethnicity or region, belonged to all tribes and to all of Afghanistan. They wanted their country to be free, prosperous, proud, and honorable. They wanted their people to live in comfort and peace. They did not want Afghanistan to witness a rising number of orphans, widows, and victims of war and insecurity every day. They gave their lives so that their nation could live with dignity.

Afghanistan is still at war with international terrorism. The same forces that martyred Ahmad Shah Massoud and subsequently spread their extremist ideology across the region remain the source of wickedness and crime today, threatening the future of all nations in this region. Unfortunately, we are now facing even more complex versions of this dangerous movement. Successfully countering this trend requires several times more vigilance, wisdom, and responsibility.

In such circumstances, fueling divisions, increasing distances, and sowing discord among the people of this land is inconsistent with the path of our martyrs. Bringing up debates that damage the national consensus and harm the solidarity of our people is a departure from the ideals for which the renowned and proud sons of Afghanistan sacrificed their lives.

Martyrs' Week is an opportunity for us to once again renew our pact with the martyrs' ideals and to make our resolve firmer than ever to complete their journey and realize their aspirations.

Remembering the martyrs is, in fact, remembering the struggles of the heroic nation of Afghanistan. This commemoration serves as a commitment to the sacred national goals of the martyrs and an emphasis on our responsibilities toward their survivors.

I, Dr. Abdullah Abdullah (the Chief Executive), and the leadership of the National Unity Government are committed to the ideals of the country's martyrs. We consider assisting the families of martyrs and ensuring the education of their children to be among the most important duties and responsibilities of the government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.

In conclusion, I pray to Almighty Allah for rewards for the victims and patience for their survivors.

May the memory of our dear martyrs be honored, and may the proud land of Afghanistan endure forever!