Reconstruction, Governance, and National Unity: A Commitment to Post-Conflict Recovery in Shinwari Districts

Presidential Palace (Arg)

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

Highly esteemed, dignified, brave, and patriotic leaders of the Shinwari, Mr. Azmoon, the honorable Malalai Shinwari, Mr. Qamaruddin Khan, Mr. Qatali, Director of Security Mr. Wahidi, and Mr. Stanikzai; to all those present in this assembly, I first offer the greeting of the leader of humanity: Peace be upon you and the mercy of Allah and His blessings.

Today is a special day of pride for me. I take pride in you—in the people of Nazyan, Ghanikhil, Achin, and Momand Dara. Today is the day I have anticipated for four years. Thanks to the blessings of Haji Sahib Dehqan, Haji Sahib Moa'wen, Mr. Miakhel, and Mr. Sayyal, and through the blessing of all the elders, your swords, your bravery, and your commitment, this day has finally arrived.

On behalf of all Afghanistan and as the "First Servant of Afghanistan"—a title bestowed upon me by Mr. Qamaruddin Khan Shinwari—I thank you. I thank you truly from the bottom of my heart. May God protect you and keep you forever.

In these past two months, you proved that when a nation rises, nothing can stand in its way. I especially congratulate you that, by the grace of Allah, the number of martyrs and wounded was very low. Haji Sahib Dehqan, we pray for the martyrs. Mr. Stanikzai, you will make special arrangements for the families of the martyrs and the wounded.

Reconstruction and Housing

Regarding your proposals: First, I accept them wholeheartedly. Appoint a delegation as soon as possible to determine how many houses have been destroyed. I am ready to provide a specific amount of aid to every single household. The government is at your service to rebuild every home; assistance will be provided to every family swiftly. A technical team from Administrative Affairs should go, and Mr. Wahidi and the Governor should assist them so we know exactly how many hundreds of families are affected. They must be assured that help is coming.

Secondly, if mosques have been martyred [destroyed], give me a list. I am at your service to rebuild mosques in every district, ensuring a proper mosque is restored for each district of the Shinwari. A mosque is both the House of God and the house of the people; we will take clear actions in this regard.

Thirdly, you proposed reconstruction today. This is not just your right; it is my duty. Given the great feat you have achieved with your "swords," we must act on reconstruction. Mr. Azmoon, Sister Malalai, and Qamaruddin Khan: assist me, and I will personally chair a cabinet meeting with the ministers. I had already spoken to Dr. Qayoumi as I had heard your concerns. I have instructed the Minister of Finance to allocate a special budget for these six districts. Now, let us reach a conclusion on the priorities. Once priorities are set, I will send a delegation of Deputy Ministers to begin practical work on the ground. The Operational and Support Unit of the Presidency, which renovated the Arg and is building the Jalalabad hospital, has an office there. They must act quickly, because if we leave it to ordinary contractors, they may go in a different direction. If there are local contractors from the Shinwari districts whom you know and trust, introduce them to us to avoid the complications of bringing in outsiders.

Education and Healthcare

Regarding schools: I will immediately order the reconstruction of those that were damaged. We are currently building 2,700 schools, and 3,300 are being constructed by the Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development (MRRD). I will instruct the MRRD to begin work on these schools immediately. We are using a method consisting of 90% soil and 10% cement, which creates a very sturdy structure. This method has already been used in Kabul for the restoration of the Chehelstoon Palace and Garden. This can be done quickly and will provide jobs for the local people.

You also mentioned clinics. We must think about how to prioritize healthcare services. I am at your service; the weather in Nangarhar is good now, so work can proceed.

Governance and Security

In terms of administration, I want three esteemed advisors from among you to work with me on managing these six districts. This is to ensure that people are not appointed who—God forbid—might cause trouble for the public. A young man from Achin came to me complaining about the Statistics Department and the Health Department. I want a clear distinction made: since these people have shown such bravery and cleared their land, the administration must serve them properly.

The words shared by Mr. Miakhel truly gave me peace of mind. I too was waiting for this day—to see people returning to their homes in a celebratory manner, without the sound of gunfire, to rebuild their lives. However, if even a sign of corruption is seen in these six districts, Mr. Wahidi, I give you the authority to purge it. Send me the names of such individuals; I will replace them all to keep our path clear.

Regarding the Border Police and the Army: Mr. Stanikzai, reach a conclusion with the Ministers of Defense and Interior, then report back to me on what needs to be done.

But the greatest power lies with the people. This popular force, including the 300 individuals mentioned, will be formalized and maintained. We will care for them with the utmost respect. I thank Mr. Stanikzai sincerely. When I asked him to give me Mr. Wahidi—who proved himself very well in Kabul and Helmand—he accepted my request, and I sent him to Nangarhar. Thank you, Mr. Stanikzai, for working with the elders and staying in constant contact with them day and night; today we see the positive results. I propose that all members of the National Directorate of Security (NDS) honor Mr. Wahidi and all the colleagues who worked alongside him.

On the day Mr. Wahidi and I sat in Nangarhar and he presented this plan to me, my heart became firm. He then shared it with you and other elders. I thank him from the bottom of my heart and congratulate him. My promise is this: I will follow up on the departments that are ineffective, and Mr. Azmoon, Sister Malalai, and Qamaruddin Khan will also hold them accountable so that our promises to you are fulfilled.

Long live Afghanistan!

Long live the heroic people of the Shinwari!