Nangarhar’s New Mandate: A Unified Strategy for Security, Reform, and Peace

Speech at the Gathering of Nangarhar Officials, Influential Figures, and Youth

Keypoints: 

• Peace: Ceasefire validated by 2,900 scholars; end 40-year war as a religious duty.
• Security: 90-day deadline for Police and NDS to stop kidnappings and lawlessness.
• Land Reform: Commission + Regional Army to halt land grabbing and mafia control.
• Infrastructure: Split Kabul-Jalalabad road into 5 zones; open Goshta trade route.
• Education: Build 6,000 schools in 2 years, starting in Nangarhar.
• Economy: Shift investment from real estate to energy and industrial parks.
• Governance: Remove provincial directors who lack public and youth trust.

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

Most honorable Ulema, elders, sisters, youth, and all Nangarharis who are the light of my heart; guests from Kabul, cabinet members, security officials, the Chief of Staff, General Waziri, the esteemed Governor of Nangarhar, Mr. Fazli, Azmoon Pacha, and Mr. Qattali. First, I offer you the greeting of the great leader of humanity: Peace be upon you, and the mercy and blessings of Allah. I begin with gratitude. The youth of Nangarhar have made greater sacrifices for the defense of this homeland than any other province. As long as this nation exists, the blood of these Nangarhari youth will be honored. My promise is that their families and children will be prioritized. May Allah grant them and the civilian martyrs of Nangarhar—whether Ulema or civil society members—the highest place in paradise. I offer my condolences to all of you.

The Strategic Importance of Nangarhar Nangarhar has always been the home of knowledge and the bastion of Afghanistan's national unity. The state system is built upon Nangarhar; Nangarhar belongs to the state, and the state belongs to Nangarhar. I came to meet each of you because every one of you is worthy of respect as an individual. To me, no Nangarhari is lesser than another, just as no Afghan is lesser than another. From your reaction and love, I gain the resolve to continue the path we have taken with even firmer determination.

Peace and the Religious Mandate Regarding peace, we saw that all dominant assumptions were proven wrong by the results of the recent ceasefire. I thank the people of Nangarhar and the officials for managing the ceasefire so wisely. I will not accept a negative view on peace from anyone, nor do I give anyone the right to veto it. Is there anyone in this hall who does not want peace? If so, let them step forward! This is the voice of Nangarhar, the voice of the people, the voice of the Ulema, and the common voice of all Afghans. Forty years of war is enough. This war was inherited by me, but it is my duty to end it. I specifically thank the Ulema. People asked why I announced the ceasefire now; the answer is simple: the Ulema gave me the command of Allah. This was not just the voice of the people, but a unified fatwa from 2,907 scholars based on the Quran and Hadith. I chose to honor the fatwa of the scholars over any other pressure. The Taliban announced a ceasefire because they could not face the Ulema. There is no religious justification left for war, killing, or suicide bombings. We are ready for any type of ceasefire. This is no longer just a war for the security forces; the people must stand with the Quran and tell the Taliban: "On what basis are you killing people?"

Security Ultimatums and Accountability I thank the National Army; they have dealt a heavy blow to ISIS. However, it is a reality that the police in Nangarhar have not yet been successful. You cannot hide the sun with two fingers. I have told the Police Chief and the Head of National Security: clean it up! You have three months. If you are not successful in three months, I will remove both of you. I did not send men who are afraid. The Police Chief was the head of special crimes and refused to engage in corruption even when pressured. The Head of Security arrested many kidnappers in Kabul. I sent them here to clear out kidnapping and end the rule of strongmen.

The Crackdown on Land Grabbing Governor, establish a special commission regarding land grabbing. I will give you whatever you need. We will not sacrifice Nangarhar for the sake of five or ten people. We are born one day and we leave the next to give our account to Allah; it is better to act with the will and courage of the people. People tell me not to act because of upcoming elections, but I will not allow elections to be a matter of "deals." I did not become President to negotiate away the interests of this country. Decisiveness is required. I authorize the Governor and Police Chief to do what is necessary to end land grabbing. To the youth: bring your petitions and evidence so we can settle this. Secure the city of Nangarhar. If someone drives a vehicle with tinted windows, break the glass. We know each other's histories; the scales of justice must be set right.

Administrative Meritocracy Governor, my instruction to you is to investigate all directors and officials. If someone is not acceptable to the people, propose their replacement. Life moves in turns. I want the participation of all Nangarharis in the administration. No part of the government should be a monopoly. Nangarharis have helped build half the world with their intellect; can they not build Nangarhar? Let us join hands to make Nangarhar whole. Regarding specific tribes, I have taken notes. The Governor will arrange for us to sit together in Kabul to discuss your concerns in detail so I can act on them.

Legal Reform and Political Integrity There is a consensus on peace and a consensus on the rule of law. Security cannot exist without the rule of law. Sit with the people and identify the obstacles—whether they are individuals or institutions. If the problem is in the prosecutor's office, the court, or the police, share it so we can take action. Furthermore, if corruption starts in the elections, it must be stopped in its tracks. Any official who interferes in elections will not only be removed but held accountable. Why fear elections? If you fear that youth, scholars, or women will defeat you, then you fear the field of competition. Every Nangarhari has a "doctorate" in politics; no one can deceive you.

Infrastructure and Regional Connectivity Governor, create a consolidated list of all projects—those started, those stalled, and those incomplete. I will sit with the ministers to create a clear method for oversight. The Kabul-Jalalabad road will be divided into five sections; the old contract was canceled and work will move quickly. We are also investigating connecting with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa through Goshta. This was the original historical route. We must study both routes to ensure all tribes are connected. Regarding water and drought, I have a consolidated program. In a few weeks, you will see new plans for water management and flood prevention. I have called a professional team to work on this.

Preservation of National Assets Forests are Afghanistan's national wealth. I want specific proposals from the people on how to protect current forests and create jobs through reforestation. This is as important as the issue of land grabbing. We need new security forces for this. My request to the heroic people of Nangarhar is to form a Regional Army. We have a shortage in the National Army, and we need a Regional Army to prevent land grabbing and maintain the rule of law. I thank the Shinwaris for providing a battalion so quickly. Let the youth who have left the army, especially Commandos, come forward to protect the customs and prevent land grabbing.

Education and Economic Investment The prosperity of Nangarhar starts with schools. 6,000 schools will be built across the country in the next two years. The money has been provided. It used to take 40 years to build this many schools; now it will take two. To the investors of Nangarhar: come and work with me to build Nangarhar together. I have changed the regulations for industrial parks. We know you have the capital; your money has built Herat, Kabul, and Nimroz. Now, let us bring that production home. Nangarhar has great mineral potential that must be extracted to benefit all Afghans. Most importantly, I want you to invest in energy production. If a Turkish company can invest $180 million in Helmand, why can't you? Do not wait for others. Invest in electricity instead of grabbing land.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Peace An elder told me as I passed: "With a cool heart and calm nerves, we want the success of Afghanistan from you." There is a difference between those who have no plan for Afghanistan and the decisions that must be made with decisiveness. If those without plans say bad things, I say "Peace" to them. But if they think their insults will turn me away from my promises, they should think again. We are at a unique moment where I can see the end of 40 years of crisis. Peace is possible if we have open minds and strong wills. This people has a consensus on reform; do not negotiate on it. I am your servant. The son of a widow, the son of a farmer, the son of a laborer—these are my masters. The Jihad of Afghanistan was an epic that belongs to all Afghans; there is no monopoly on Jihad, just as there is no monopoly on peace. Now is the time for action and unity. Do not get stuck in small issues. Look at history: Mirwais Khan, Ahmed Shah Baba, Amanullah Khan—they passed, and I will pass soon. Our work must be to leave a legacy of lasting peace and progress. As long as I have your support, I recognize no other obstacle.

Long live Afghanistan!