Guardians of the Republic: Professionalism, Sacrifice, and the National Interest

(Adress to the The Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF) in Kunduz)

Keypoints:

• Sanctity of Sacrifice: Honor those who gave their lives in defense of the nation, unity, and sovereignty.
• Martyrdom: Recognize sacrifice as the foundation of national dignity, freedom, and shared values.
• Family Support: Safeguard the rights, welfare, and dignity of martyrs’ families, orphans, and widows.
• Condemn Violence: Reject actions that terrorize civilians and undermine public order and trust.
• National Security: Strengthen the capacity of security forces to defend sovereignty and protect citizens.
• Institutional Reform: Promote professionalism, merit-based advancement, and depoliticization within security institutions.
• Public Trust: Reinforce confidence between the people and the security and defense forces.
• Accountability: Ensure transparent review of shortcomings and recognition of merit and responsibility.
• Peace and Stability: Work toward lasting security, justice, and national cohesion to reduce hardship and conflict.

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

Honorable members of the Cabinet, the delegation from Kabul, Mr. Chief of General Staff, General Murad Ali Murad, General Ihsas, General Abdul Hamid Khan, General Zamari, General Safiullah Khan, all generals, colonels, majors, captains, lieutenants, our esteemed non-commissioned officers, sergeants, members of the Special Forces and Commandos, all units, and our dear doctors! First and foremost, I offer you the greeting of the Great Leader of Humanity: Peace be upon you, and the mercy and blessings of Allah.

The Validation of Sovereignty

The first point is this: the honor belongs to you. I thank you for your sacrifice and for forging the national unity of Afghanistan. Yesterday, your martyrdom and your patriotism communicated our greatest strength to the entire world. It was the President of the United States who spoke—and do you know what he said? He said that the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF) have proven they will defend their system. Because of this, he stated: "I have decided that the people of Afghanistan are our permanent partners and are worth the investment."

You earned this honor. Many nations possess an "army on paper" or "security on paper," but they lacked the will. They lacked leadership; they lacked unity. What became of them? Look at Iraq, look at Syria, Yemen, and Libya. But we Afghans possess belief, resolve, and intention. We surrender to no one.

The trial we faced here in Kunduz was a grueling one. The nation drifted toward mistrust—a dark atmosphere of doubt. However, we demonstrated that through a sense of belonging to this soil, trust in the system, and faith in the management of our security forces who labored day and night, that atmosphere was transformed into hope. You are the architects of this hope. As your Commander-in-Chief, I am proud of you.

Recognition of Sacrifice and Professionalism

First, we pray for the pure souls of our martyrs. Second, we wish for the swift recovery of all the wounded. Before I continue, I wish to express my gratitude through the awarding of medals.

General Bismillah Waziri arrived and mentioned that his uniform was soiled. I take pride in that soiled uniform! A dusty uniform is a badge of commitment. It is through these weathered uniforms that this land is protected.

I wish to present a few concise points:

• The Backbone of the Force: Our sergeants and NCOs are the bridge between officers and soldiers. My instruction to the Chief of Staff and the Minister of Defense is to resolve the systemic issues facing our NCOs and ensure the conditions for your promotion are met.

• Welfare of Families: Focusing on your recruitment, your commissions, and fundamentally, the welfare of your families, sits at the very top of the agenda for the Ministries of Defense, Interior, and the National Directorate of Security.

• Professionalism over Patronage: Our system must be reformed. I pledge to you that as long as this mandate is entrusted to me, the security and defense forces will be insulated from political interference. Your advancement will be based on your professionalism ($mslakityubun$), not your personal connections.

In Kunduz, it became clear: those without "connections" (wasita) made the greatest sacrifices. Therefore, your promotions will not depend on who you know, but on your heroism and the established regulations ($zawabit$).

Strategic Decisions for the Northeast

Regarding Kunduz, we have decided to establish a Division ($Firqa$). I have signed the appointment of General Mohiuddin Ghori as the Commander of the Kunduz Division. General Ghori is one of our most seasoned and experienced generals.

Our enemies are in isolation. Understand this: the enemies of Afghanistan no longer hold the global consensus. The world is sending them a clear message: "Cease your interference in Afghanistan." The world now recognizes that the stance of our nation, our state, and our forces is the righteous stance.

A Vision for the Future

What is my aspiration? My aspiration is that in the coming years, our forces are not engaged in daily combat. My goal is that the monopoly on the legitimate use of force resides solely and exclusively with the state's security forces. When the Army says "I will operate," everyone should submit to that authority with confidence.

We face difficult months and perhaps difficult years ahead. But as the Holy Quran promises: “With hardship comes ease.” This ease lies before us.

Finally, as your Commander-in-Chief, my commitment—and the commitment of the State—is reciprocal. In the past, your sacrifices were often overlooked. No more. I view every martyr and every wounded soldier as my own children. I have two biological children, but I have fifteen million Afghan children—and you, the standard-bearers of Afghanistan’s honor, are at the very front of that family.

Accountability and Reconstruction

We must admit the damage we sustained. To ensure that blame is not cast arbitrarily, I have invited two respected and experienced figures—Mr. Amrullah Saleh and Dr. Farooq Wardak—to lead a commission to investigate the past impartially. This commission will determine whom to honor and where we must improve.

Preliminary findings show something profound: the people of Kunduz do not merely ask for bread; they ask for a System ($Nizam$). They see you as the shield of their honor and national sovereignty.

Regarding our logistical and aerial gaps, these will be addressed shortly. Today, a strong atmosphere of international trust has emerged because our common interests and common threats—namely international terrorism—bind us to the global community.

Long live Afghanistan!