Sacrifice, Valor, and the Pursuit of Enduring Peace: Honoring Kandahar’s Security Forces

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

Distinguished Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, respected Governor of Kandahar, Honorable Minister of Rural Development, brave soldiers, commandos, officers, generals, police personnel, members of special units, and all medical professionals and heroic pilots present here— Asalum alikom...

You come from every corner of Afghanistan and defend this land with courage and honor. On behalf of the government and the people of Afghanistan, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to each of you.

First, I salute the martyrs of our security and defense forces, including the Atal Corps. May God bless their souls. I have ensured that their families receive the highest attention and that their allowances are doubled.

The bond between the state and our soldiers, commandos, officers, and generals is not one-sided; we do not demand sacrifice from you alone. This is our sacred duty. The nation has entrusted its honor to you, and you have preserved it with dignity. Thank you.

Recently, a soldier was critically wounded. I personally ordered a helicopter to evacuate him safely to a hospital. God willing, you will no longer witness comrades bleeding to death in their positions. We are committed to caring for our wounded, and this care will continue to expand.

Substantial improvements have been made in military hospitals, providing 400 beds, and the police hospital will soon be inaugurated under the Interior Ministry. We will also personally visit your families to ensure proper support.

It is unacceptable that previously only 9% of the families of martyrs received land. I will personally follow up to correct this, and the same applies to the wounded. I inquire about these matters every day.

Previously, only military officials would visit you. From now on, civilian ministers, governors, and other officials will regularly meet with our security forces, listen to their concerns, and express gratitude for their service.

Be assured that our commitment extends beyond the borders of the country. Wherever it matters—domestically or internationally—we will ensure that you receive the attention and support you deserve. This is my duty, and the duty of everyone serving in the government.

I wish to express my deep gratitude to our heroic pilots. No pilot under the conditions we face would dare fly and land as you do. I have ordered that future promotions for our pilots be based solely on bravery, not just time in service.

The culture of recognition and appreciation will be widespread in our security and defense forces. I also commend our special forces. Your operations have brought significant change, elevated morale, and shown the world that you have no equal in the region. Truly, no soldier in Afghanistan’s history has your dedication.

Specifically, I thank you for your actions over the past two months. You foiled a major plot to surrender Arghandab; you countered attacks in Ghorak, Shawali Kot, and other areas, and executed the Zulfiqar operation preemptively and successfully. All of you are heroes, and I sincerely thank you.

At the same time, I recognize your challenges. I met with a young soldier, took a photo with him, and he honestly told me of the difficulties you face. I am here not for ceremonies, but to understand your challenges and ensure that they are addressed, one by one.

I also wish to thank our medical personnel. With your white coats, you safeguard the lives of our heroes, working day and night with courage. Thank you.

Now, to the main issue: our society yearns for peace. We all desire peace. Every young man in the sacred uniform of our army represents our determination for lasting, honorable peace. The war was imposed on us; we did not seek it. Afghans do not accept peace through weakness or submission. You, our heroes, are proof of this.

Our ancestors and forefathers have defended this land for millennia. Afghanistan has a five-thousand-year history and will endure for thousands more, with future generations safeguarding it. God has granted us the right to defend our homeland, and your actions affirm this right.

Two days ago, in Herat, three thousand scholars rose in support of you. The people stand behind you. It is by the strength of your swords and your valor that lasting peace will be achieved in this land. I hear your challenges, and we will resolve them. Know that each day and each night, you are in my thoughts, in my mind, and in my actions.

By God’s grace, I maintain direct communication with all corps, governors, and police chiefs. I also extend my deepest gratitude to the police. You have made enormous sacrifices against terrorism. If your equipment was outdated or insufficient, it was not your fault—it was a governmental responsibility. The Minister of Interior has shared these concerns with me, and we will address them comprehensively.

In conclusion, you stand for justice and for the homeland. Every inch of this country is sacred. Afghanistan is not a gift—it is the result of over one and a half million sacrifices and thousands of years of devotion.

The nation will endure, and the National Army, National Security, and National Police will remain the pride of Afghanistan forever. Thank you.