Dr. Ashraf Ghani

(Message on the Eid al-Fitr)

Keypoints:

Spiritual Renewal: Eid as a time for cleansing the heart and soul and renewing unity.
Social Welfare: Assistance to needy families, martyrs’ families, and the displaced.
Economic Transition: Measures to ease poverty and support livelihoods during the transitional phase.
Peace with the Taliban: Negotiations to integrate opposition groups into national prosperity.
Peace with Pakistan: Constructive dialogue to resolve past conflicts and strengthen bilateral ties.
Counterterrorism: Ongoing efforts to confront international terrorists threatening the region.
National Consensus: Inclusive consultation with leaders, scholars, and civil society for stable governance.
Political Maturity: Encouraging constructive criticism and cooperation among political and social elites.
Security and Defense: Afghan forces capable of maintaining peace and protecting the homeland.
Final Resolve: Building on past efforts to ensure a stable, prosperous, and peaceful Afghanistan.

In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful.

Honorable Brothers and Sisters! I extend my congratulations on the arrival of the blessed Eid al-Fitr to all of you, the devout people of our homeland. Eid, as expressed in Islamic mysticism and our other religious teachings, is an opportunity for freshness and renewal—for cleansing the dust from the realm of body and soul, and for granting vitality to the heart and spirit.

I know that a nation witnessing the constant loss of its children, where war and terror claim victims every day, and where the number of its orphans and widows is perpetually increasing, possesses a soul in deep pain that requires the application of a healing balm.

We can find solutions to our problems. We can show our enemies, near and far, that the heart of this nation and its youth, men and women, villagers and urbanites, the destitute and the wealthy, and the nation and the state, are all united as one. We share in one another’s pains and we rejoice in one another’s happiness. Eid is the supreme opportunity for the embodiment of this reality.

I thank the general public of Afghanistan, and especially the youth, who are the primary supporters of reforms and who advocate for the measures taken by the Government of National Unity on the path toward peace and stability.

Economic Transition and Social Welfare

Dear People! Your officials know that the heavy burden of war, the effects and consequences of an economy reliant on foreign aid, the commencement of a new chapter in the country’s political conditions, and the assumption of all responsibilities by Afghan forces have each had their direct impacts on the livelihoods of our people.

However, we are certain that this situation is merely a transitional phase. We do not want the home of any Afghan to witness an empty table. We do not want the lash of poverty and deprivation to wound the soul and spirit of our people any further.

The days of Eid, like the days of Ramadan, are an opportunity to reduce the suffering of our people by assisting the needy and empathizing with the families of martyrs, the afflicted, and the displaced. In this regard, we have directed that:

More than 34,000 tons of wheat be distributed in kind to the deserving in certain regions.
In other regions where the cost of transport was not justified, the price of 15,000 tons be paid to low-income and destitute segments.
Through this, hundreds of thousands of families were brought under the coverage of this assistance.

The Two-Track Strategy for Peace

Honorable Sisters and Brothers! It is the fundamental duty of the state to ensure that the people have a tranquil life and a dignified livelihood. To achieve this objective, calculated measures and deliberations are necessary. A very important and foundational step toward improving the people’s livelihood and economic status is to reduce the level of violence in the country and ultimately end the war. This is why the government is striving with full seriousness to bring peace to the homeland. We do not want the blood of any Afghan to be shed. A sustainable, comprehensive, and dignified peace is the demand that the nation and the state seek in unison, and they consider it essential for the progress and prosperity of our dear country.

At the same time, let us not forget that reaching the desired peace is a path full of twists and turns. Its first prerequisite is the existence of a decisive will, competent management, and the necessary patience. Fortunately, the Government of National Unity has been able to prove that it possesses these characteristics.

When we speak of peace, this subject includes two parallel lines:

Peace with the Afghan Taliban: This is based on the view that they, as citizens of Afghanistan, have the right to negotiate over the reasons for their opposition to the country's political system and, within the framework of the country's system, find a way to return to a peaceful life and take a share in the prosperity and development of this land and water.
Peace with Pakistan: This is a distinct and independent matter and will proceed with its own separate and appropriate logic.

International terrorists, who pursue their own specific agenda in the region and nurture the dream of creating their desired reign of terror and horror for the entire region, are a separate account. Our defense forces have answered them in a language understandable to them until now, and from now on as well, they will continue this path until their complete suppression.

Progress in Negotiations and National Consensus

For the first time, a very important step has been taken for peace with the Taliban. Direct and official negotiations have begun with their authorized delegation in the presence of representatives from influential countries. In the first round of talks, an effort was made to create an atmosphere of trust and to transform the peace talks into a process. The list of topics for discussion was also addressed. We have taken an important step toward peace, and we will take the subsequent steps with precision and patience. In the coming days, the second round of negotiations will begin.

On the occasion of Eid, the leader of the Afghan Taliban, Mullah Mohammad Omar Akhund, in his message, also spoke of reaching goals through peaceful ways, and this is a positive point. I call upon the leader of the Taliban to take practical steps to stop the ongoing process of bloodshed and to give a positive response to the nation’s longing for peace. The path of goodness and prosperity is that issues be resolved not through war, but on the basis of understanding and logic. For the people of Afghanistan, someone who sees their benefit in war and lack of goodness, and wants to impose their will on others through force and coercion, is not acceptable.

Peace with Pakistan is another necessity that we must address simultaneously. In the past thirteen years, Afghanistan was subjected to an undeclared war, and this, in turn, has been followed by the growth of terrorist groups and the continuation of war and violence in both countries. Both countries need to open a new page in their relations. From the first days of the government's formation, we took action for transparent dialogue with the Pakistani side and adopted a path for constructive and continuous discussion with their statesmen. As a result of these dialogues, the opposite side moved to take several steps that are worthy of appreciation.

Red Lines and National Accord

Whether we make peace with the Taliban or with Pakistan, we will do so in the light of national interests and will keep our people informed of all issues. During this period, I have consulted with the country’s leaders, religious scholars, civil activists, and other stakeholders and have taken their opinions, because real peace requires national consensus and national accord.

Fortunately, up until now, there is agreement on ninety percent (90%) of the issues.
We have received five percent (5%) of the views in the form of suggestions.
The remaining five percent (5%) of the topics can be discussed and debated.

In this same vein, I emphasize that the basic rights of the people, and especially the rights of women, will not be ignored under any circumstances.

Our expectation is that all national figures and political groups, by understanding the importance of the issue, will prioritize national interests over personal and group tastes, and assist their government in securing peace, confronting terrorists, providing services, and launching developmental programs. Those who do not care for the stability and tranquility of society will be condemned to isolation by the people.

Political Maturity and the Role of the Elite

The existence of differences of opinion and diverse viewpoints in the political affairs and cases of the country is both natural and beneficial. Constructive criticisms, path-finding suggestions, and effective consultations, from whichever side they are raised, are a sign of sincerity to the homeland and compassion for the people; however, misplaced fault-finding, factional utilization, exaggeration in highlighting shortcomings, breathing a spirit of despair and depression into society, and portraying the horizon of the future as dark—whether intentionally or unintentionally—will end up benefiting those who desire the turmoil of the country's general situation.

We say with confidence that the defense and security forces of Afghanistan are ready to confront any kind of obstacle. After the withdrawal of international forces, it was proven that Afghanistan’s own forces have the full power to confront anyone who acts with enmity toward this homeland and its inhabitants. Our National Army and security forces have proven that no wayward or rebel force can win the field against them. We know the value of the sacrifices of the brave children of the country. It is better that the political forces of the country also make even more efforts for the prosperity and progress of the country and for the improvement of the people’s lives.

Political and social elites can regulate political differences and the multiplicity of social tastes in the country so that it finds a more beneficial approach. The successful experience of other nations can show us acceptable examples of how they, despite having multiple political parties and various social institutions, have always observed the lines of their national interests and have all been of one voice and one tune in that direction. Also, the history of Afghanistan stands before our eyes to learn how the differences of political leaders have repeatedly squandered the sincere efforts and struggles of our people.

Final Resolve

It is not necessary to start from point zero every day. Especially since we have many opportunities to complete the beneficial efforts of the past and lay new bricks upon the bricks already laid, so that this magnificent edifice may rise even higher. The Government of National Unity carries this path forward with resolve and authority and will successfully fulfill the mission it bears on its shoulders.

In the hope of a day when no blood is shed in this homeland and no mother is left mourning. Once again, happy Eid al-Fitr to everyone.