Security Accountability, Democratic Continuity, and the Global Consensus for Peace

Press Conference Regarding the Brussels and Saudi Arabia Summits and the Current Situation of the Country

Keypoints: 

• NATO: Fund, equip, and reform Afghan forces through 2024.
• Religious Delegitimacy: Fatwas declare war a “Fitna,” nullifying Taliban’s pretext.
• Constitution: Sole legal framework; no interim deals.
• Elections: Timely, transparent, 8.6M+ registered voters.
• Security: Zero tolerance for abuses; target Faryab, Paktia, Nangarhar.
• Force Monopoly: Disarm illegal armed groups; government only.
• Youth Leadership: 49% of Cabinet under 40.
• National Emergencies: Treat disasters/climate as urgent security threats.
• Regional Peace: 80% consensus; demand anti-terror action from Pakistan.
• Economic Independence: Domestic revenue, industry to fund defense.

 

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

Dear compatriots and esteemed journalists, Peace and the mercy and blessings of Allah be upon you!

First, I wish to express my profound sorrow and solidarity regarding the tragic natural disaster in Panjshir province, which resulted in the martyrdom and displacement of several of our compatriots. I offer my condolences to all the people of Afghanistan, especially the noble people of Panjshir. To assist the victims of this incident, necessary instructions have been issued to the relevant agencies to utilize all available resources to aid the affected. The Minister of Interior, along with several civil and military officials, has been dispatched to Panjshir to distribute aid and assess the situation. Yesterday, I also held a meeting with the Governor of Panjshir and his colleagues, the Minister of State for Disaster Management, and officials from relevant departments. I have issued the necessary directives to ministries and departments for immediate, medium-term, and long-term actions.

Unfortunately, climate change has become a serious threat. For the purpose of technical assessments and studies, a joint committee of universities and relevant ministries has been established to address this issue comprehensively. Recent floods in the north and other parts of the country, along with this tragic event, demonstrate that flood management has become an urgent national issue, and necessary measures are being taken to manage it.

Achievements at the NATO Summit

Dear compatriots! First and foremost, I congratulate the heroic nation of Afghanistan on the NATO Heads of State Summit, which is considered a great achievement for Afghanistan. This conference was a significant success for the entire nation, and especially for the country’s security and defense forces. From President Trump to the final speaker of the conference, all praised the country’s security and defense forces, valued their sacrifices, and committed to supporting, equipping, training, and funding these forces until 2024.

They welcomed Afghanistan’s reform programs and the fight against administrative corruption. For the first time, the international community was not merely "advising" the Afghan government on corruption; rather, they requested the expansion and continuation of reforms. Securing such a commitment was unimaginable two years ago. All of this is the result of our reforms and actions in capacity building within the security forces and the sacrifices of every soldier, sergeant, officer, general, and high-ranking official.

In the speeches of all participants, there was a positive outlook toward Afghanistan, a full political consensus for peace, and a special respect for our forces. We participated in the NATO summit in Brussels on behalf of the people and government of Afghanistan, and I briefed NATO leaders on the current security situation, threats, and opportunities.

Peace Initiatives and International Support

All NATO member countries declared their support for the Afghan government's peace plan and the ceasefire initiative, praising this move by the Government of National Unity. They committed to focusing more on priorities and addressing shortcomings to increase the effectiveness of aid and ensure better results for our security forces. NATO also called on regional countries to play a positive role in the Afghan peace process and cooperate with the government to ensure its success.

The importance of these commitments lies in the fact that NATO will use its military aid to further equip and fund our forces, ensuring our armed forces benefit from modern professional training. To achieve self-sufficiency, the Afghan government is doing its part by managing national revenue to fund national institutions, particularly the security and defense sectors.

Inshallah, Afghanistan's security forces will become a powerful force that will not only bring positive changes to the battlefield but also directly impact peace talks. The more self-reliant and capable our armed forces become, the stronger our position will be in peace negotiations with the Taliban.

Diplomatic Engagements and Elections

During this two-day trip to Brussels, I had bilateral meetings with several participating leaders. They fully supported the Afghan peace process and pledged to stand by Afghans in the joint fight against shared threats.

In separate meetings with Donald Tusk, President of the European Council, and Federica Mogherini, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, I emphasized that holding the upcoming parliamentary, district council, and subsequently presidential elections is mandatory. I requested they dispatch observers to monitor the election process.

Justice, Rule of Law, and Military Conduct

Regarding recent operations by security forces: my support for the Special Forces and Commandos has always been based on their commitment to the rule of law. My goal is to leave a legacy where the legitimate monopoly on the use of force belongs to the state, used only according to the law as a just government.

As the Commander-in-Chief, any behavior by security forces that contradicts the principles and laws of the country is absolutely unacceptable. Regarding the published images of detainees in Faryab province and reports of civilian casualties during military operations in Paktia and Nangarhar, I have directed relevant agencies to conduct serious and comprehensive investigations immediately and present their reports to the High Command.

The loss of even a single civilian life or violent behavior toward any detainee is unacceptable to me. I have re-instructed the security forces to exercise greater precision in their operations. All security forces are responsible before the law and accountable to the people; they must behave according to the values of Islam, national laws, human rights, and humanitarian standards.

A few individuals' actions must not tarnish the overall image or create doubt regarding the professional and national character of our forces. Discipline is mandatory in all war conditions. Responsibility must become a culture, and I assure you that violators will be dealt with according to the law.

Dealing with Illegal Armed Groups

There is a full national consensus for stability, strengthening the system, and implementing the law. Illegal armed individuals have become a problem across the country. Operations in Faryab, Uruzgan, Farah, and elsewhere were based on the people's demand for the rule of law. If our forces do not represent the rule of law, peace will face challenges. Professional, national, and impartial security is needed.

I have full confidence in the country's judicial system as an independent branch and support their actions. They handle cases with neutrality and responsibility within the framework of the law.

The Ulema Conference in Saudi Arabia

Regarding the conference of religious scholars in Saudi Arabia: I thank the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and specifically the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and the Secretary-General of the OIC for hosting the conference of the Islamic world's scholars regarding peace in Afghanistan.

I thank the religious scholars of the Islamic world for fulfilling their religious mission regarding the war in Afghanistan. They labeled the ongoing conflict in our land as "Fitna" (strife) and raised their voices in support of peace. This is the voice of the scholars of Afghanistan, Indonesia, and the entire Islamic world. They have completely stripped the current war of its religious legitimacy. The Taliban no longer have any justification for continuing this war, as they now face the entire Islamic world and its scholars.

The ceasefire proved that the Taliban are tired of war and our great nation wants peace. Now is the time to respond to the united voice of the Islamic scholars and seriously begin peace negotiations.

Thank you.

Questions and Answers

Nusrat Parsa, Radio Azadi Reporter: "Mr. President, I am Nusrat Parsa from Radio Azadi. You spoke about the elections. I wanted to raise my question regarding the elections in less than a minute. You said that the presidential election will definitely be held. Is there the will to prevent a 'political consensus government' in the future election and to ensure the government is formed based on the Constitution? To put it more simply, how much assurance is there to prevent the recurrence of a parallel power like the Chief Executive Office?"

Sarwan, Voice of America Reporter: "My question is regarding the return of your First Vice President. There are rumors or reports that negotiations are ongoing for his imminent return. What is your response?"

Zabihullah Durandish, Khurshid TV Reporter: "Mr. President, a while ago you had a trip to Laghman province. A family from Laghman claims that their daughter was martyred due to the high speed of the President’s guards’ vehicles—which was you. You, who have repeatedly spoken of fighting for justice and against those who violate the law; have you followed up on this matter and arrested the perpetrators?"

Ali Asghari, Ariana News Reporter: "The presidential election is set to be launched following the upcoming parliamentary elections. Will you participate in this election or not? And if you do, you have apparently lost the majority of your allies at present; with which ticket will you go to the election?"

The President: "In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. My allies are the nation of Afghanistan; three great strata of Afghanistan: the youth, women, and the poor. My goal has not been power; it was service, and my goal will continue to be service. The coalitions that are necessary will be made; other coalitions that take place are the absolute right of the people to form.

Elections must be over the choice of clear and specific alternatives. Do we want to end forty-year crises, or do we want to make forty-year crises deeper? This is the choice of the people of Afghanistan! The people must decide on this with clarity. A single stratum cannot determine the election; the overwhelming majority of the Afghan people determine the election results. Should my generation still determine the future of Afghanistan [pointing to the young officials present] or this generation? This is your clear choice. 49% of your cabinet is under the age of forty. Do you want the average age of your cabinet to return to 65? Make a choice that has clarity.

The fundamental point of the election is its transparency. For this reason, I call upon civil society and the international community to provide the best possible oversight of the election, and I am at your service for any necessity that exists to create a better atmosphere of transparency.

The election results will determine the shape of the future of Afghan politics. It is premature for us to have long discussions on this. The fundamental point is that in the choice, the major candidates who emerge will certainly present their plans to the nation, and the people will judge them. My hope is that for whomever the nation votes, they give a decisive vote so that a clear program and accountability are created.

[Addressing the Khurshid reporter]: Your question is absolutely in its place. Investigations are ongoing; whatever mistake, intentional or unintentional, has occurred, it will be investigated and the right will be given to the rightful owner. First, I offer my condolences to that family; because I had gone to the NATO summit, my program is to personally meet with that family, hear all their issues, and it is my clear commitment that for any mistake made, we will be accountable. The life of a child is the life of a world, and the dignity of an Afghan family is above everything else.

The necessity of my travel to the provinces is so that the people of Afghanistan clearly understand that they cannot force the President of Afghanistan through fear to not go among his people. The reason I went specifically to Nangarhar and Laghman was because National Security brought the most security threats from those places, and even that morning they said 'do not go.' This situation is not acceptable to us. After God (SWT), we are the owners and those responsible for this soil, and we accept the risk; but no harm to a child remains without compensation and answer.

[Switching to Pashto]: The issue of General Sahib Dostum is under consideration and the probability of his return is quite high. Clear talks have been held with the Attorney General’s Office because the matter has a legal aspect, and other details will, Inshallah Ta’ala, be shared with you as soon as possible.

Khalida Rashid, Zan TV Reporter: "Mr. President, I will frame my question regarding the peace process. You attended the Brussels summit where peace negotiations were discussed. We have witnessed various meetings on the peace process multiple times, each of which was supposed to bring a message of hope; you also spoke of a ceasefire. What 'guarantee' is there that after the Brussels summit, a meaningful and real peace will emerge?"

Mujib Ehsas, Kabul News Reporter: "My question is about the elections. Yesterday, several political parties requested the government to address problems in the current registration process, and in many cases, they had their own proposals. They stated they would not participate in the elections unless the process becomes biometric. First, do you think it is possible to restart this process and consider their demands? They are threatening to boycott the process entirely. Regarding the presidential election, it is said the situation is not good, and there is a possibility the government might attempt to extend its power through a 'Jirga' (assembly). Is there any truth to this?"

The President: "Thank you for informing me that there is talk of a Jirga! [Laughter]. The Constitution of Afghanistan will be implemented one hundred percent. Neither a Jirga is being sought, nor any other movement! The Constitution is clear, specific, and urgent! Only the people of Afghanistan decide, and more than 8.6 million people have registered. What more do you want?

The United Nations said 4.2 million would be sufficient. Double that number of Afghan citizens have registered.

Who are these politicians speaking on behalf of the Afghan people? Who elected them? What percentage of the vote did they win? When did the people give them the authority to represent them? I am the President of the people of Afghanistan! I sit here by the vote of the Afghan people! I had neither force nor gold. I reached here by the grace of my intellect!

Come, enter the field of elections. What freedom of theirs has been restricted? Who has been blocked? They hurl billions of insults. What is their plan? Forty percent of affairs were in their hands—what did they do? They should answer for these past forty years. If you want to come to a debate, let’s have a clear debate. A national debate doesn't happen just because I have patience; and patience means I have a 'gallows' [am prepared for the consequences]. If I were in the position of the Minister of Finance, you would have seen my debate style, but in the position of the Presidency, I am forced to be patient. However, this does not mean anyone can come and say they hold power over this homeland. Who gave them power over the homeland and on what basis? Will they answer for the tragedy? Will they answer for this crisis or not?

If they boycott, who are they to boycott? Furthermore, their issue is not with me; it is with the Independent Election Commission (IEC). Have I interfered in the Commission for a single day? Have I met with a member of the Commission for a single day? This is the work of the people and civil society. The atmosphere should not be poisoned every time, especially regarding the presidential election. I repeat to you: there is no alternative but the vote of the people. We are employing all our security and defense strength to ensure the presidential election is held precisely, and as you saw, I announced that whenever the IEC sets the time for elections, I accept it wholeheartedly.

I accept any decision made by the Supreme Court of Afghanistan wholeheartedly. This is the rule of law. If people have armed forces, how can they call themselves political parties? The people must decide; if they are political parties, they should not possess armed forces. The participation of political parties is necessary—Afghan society needs them—but they must accept their responsibility under these conditions.

Is funding Afghanistan only my job? In what state was this homeland inherited by me? Was the world questioning us or not? Was our treasury empty or not? Was there any commitment for our security forces or not? Now people think everything has become automatic. Is funding our security and defense forces for six years an easy task? Why did the Islamic world not raise a voice for peace from Mecca and Medina before? We must look at what we are doing and where we are going. A fair judgment must exist where we submit to a clear debate and speak with one another.

Which political party or personality has suffered even a hair's breadth of harm from me or the state? Whose freedom has been taken? Which personality have we looked upon with disrespect? Do we not consult with everyone continuously? You must know that consultations are not one-sided. Responsibility must lie with both sides. My request to all respected parties and political movements is that the Constitution is the key to solving our crises. Transparent elections allow the people to decide who represents them.

Have other paths not been experienced? Did we not experience dictatorship? Did we not experience the appointment of specific members? What was the result? Crisis after crisis! Our goal is to solve these crises now, and the entire nation must be included. Is biometric registration possible in six months? Do you want to extend this Parliament? Is the nation happy with this Parliament or not? Do you want the presidential election to be delayed and a political crisis to occur? Or do you want us to do our work on time? We must have clear judgment here.

On the "Guarantee" of Peace

[Addressing the Zan TV reporter]: I thank you deeply for your question! You used the word 'guarantee.' In politics, the word 'guarantee' has no specific meaning; politics is about purposeful effort and achieving the possible, not about guarantees! What has changed? The balance of power for bringing peace has fundamentally shifted away from the continuation of war.

First: A global consensus on peace did not exist for a decade or more. Today, a complete international consensus exists; the Brussels conference is the manifestation of this.

Second: The National Unity Government took the initiative for peace and the ceasefire. Our initiative was fully welcomed. In the past, there was a mindset that others must bring peace to us, set it on the table, and then invite us to share the meal. The essential point is that we must want peace, which requires us to examine our society and our shortcomings fundamentally.

Third: Three years ago, did most observers not think that Afghanistan's security forces would, God forbid, collapse? We have emerged from a very difficult test, my dear sister! People have forgotten that over 130,000 international troops and about 600,000 contractors were supporting us, and the situation was similar. In three years, the Afghan security forces have transformed from a twelve-year-old child taking responsibility for a family into a robust young man. Reforms have led to clear global confidence. Our Commandos are doubling and our Air Force is tripling. Have you ever seen a General go to prison for corruption before? Today, several are in prison. The system is being built. We rely on the security forces because the peace we want must not come from a position of weakness or begging; it must come from national consensus!

Another point is regional consensus. The Tashkent conference was the best example of this. However, regarding regional consensus, we have had good progress on paper with one country—the Islamic Republic of Pakistan—but in practice, we are waiting for action. On the other hand, regional consensus was created most effectively at the Shanghai Summit.

The third step is the consensus of the Islamic world. Was this war, this violence, and this suicide bombing—justified by the important word 'Fitna' that was used—based on wrong interpretations that have no basis in our holy religion? Today, Indonesia, the largest Islamic country, became the first host for talks between scholars from Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Indonesia. In these few days, hosted by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, the Islamic world gathered! What is the point? War does not end only through war and the use of force. Its political, cultural, and especially religious dimensions must be given serious attention.

I will conclude with this: at this stage, the percentage of the possibility of peace has increased significantly. However, regarding a 'guarantee' in a political process—until you have achieved the goal, you cannot claim you have succeeded. It requires continuous effort. In Afghanistan, by the grace of God, there is complete consensus among all strata and tribes on the necessity of peace. The price of peace is not yet known! The price is determined within the framework of negotiations. When we reach that point, a national debate must occur. As your President, I have the authority to turn the nation's consensus into a peace program; but approving a peace agreement requires negotiation, consultation, and ultimately, consensus. This means peace does not come in a single day.

One part of the crisis is forty years old, another is twenty-two years, and another is eighteen years. We must see all these dimensions clearly because they are necessary and sufficient for one another. Why? Because the war in Afghanistan has an internal dimension, and other dimensions are regional and international. We must solve the internal dimension in intra-Afghan negotiations, and the regional and international aspects through continuous work. Bringing stability to Afghanistan may be one of the most complex issues the 21st century has encountered. The hope is that with wisdom, reason, and unity, we can realize the national aspiration of all our children—to breathe freely—as soon as possible.

Thank you!