Message on the 10th Anniversary of the Martyrdom of Mustafa Kazemi
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
We commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Martyrs of National Unity, especially Martyr Sayed Mustafa Kazemi, leader of the National Empowerment Party (Hezb-e Iqtedar-e Milli).
Ten years ago today, criminal terrorists targeted a number of people's representatives who had traveled to Baghlan to develop and revive the country's industry and economy. In that event, a number of our innocent compatriots were bathed in blood, and five sons of this land, who were serving as representatives of the people, were also martyred.
Each of these representatives possessed brilliant records and a vast popular base, consistently striving for the unity, prosperity, and dignity of the country. The sincere and compassionate efforts of these martyred representatives for the development and flourishing of the country's economy are commendable.
Among them, Martyr Sayed Mustafa Kazemi was a prominent figure in the politics and Jihad of the country, who emerged in a positive role across different seasons and times. He stood alongside the people during the era of Jihad and Resistance and, following the Bonn Agreement, emerged as one of the founders of the new chapter.
During his tenure at the Ministry of Commerce and within the Economic Commission of the Wolesi Jirga (House of the People), he sought to turn the wheels of the country's economy with an approach centered on independence and self-sufficiency. Although his journey and destination remained unfinished, his ideals and those of the country’s other martyrs are being realized today through the design and implementation of infrastructure projects—from TAPI to CASA-1000—and the creation of dams, roads, and railways.
Martyr Kazemi had also become an important focal point in the Parliament. His initiative in creating a parliamentary group composed of various ethnicities and leanings demonstrated his great capacity for creating leadership and management in the country. By forming this group, Kazemi stepped outside narrow political, ethnic, regional, and partisan circles, establishing a new model of political interaction in the House of the Nation.
Afghanistan, more than ever, needs tolerance, mutual acceptance, and positive, constructive interaction. When Martyr Kazemi served in the role of political opposition, he spoke with a reformist approach and offered alternative plans. He never appeared with the language of hatred or impoliteness when criticizing the government. These behaviors can serve as an excellent model of conduct for the younger generation and the followers of Martyr Kazemi.
In conclusion, I once again send my salutations to the souls of the martyrs of the Baghlan terrorist incident—foremost Martyr Kazemi, Martyr Haji Mohammad Arif Zarif, Martyr Sibghatullah Zaki, Martyr Sahib-ul-Rahman Hemat, Martyr Nazak Mir Sarfaraz, and Martyr Engineer Abdul Matin—and honor the memory of each one of them.