Dr. Ashraf Ghani

(Address to the Families of Martyrs in Zabul - ARG, Kabul)

Keypoints:

Justice: Investigate attacks; deliver results, not empty promises.
Unity: Afghan forces represent all ethnicities; prevent division.
Security: Maintain forces; secure districts and transit routes.
Martyrs’ Families: Assist and honor families; ensure proper burials.
Transparency: Report evidence; involve local representatives.
Service: Government serves all citizens; prioritize merit and equality.
Public Participation: Engage communities in decisions and planning.
Defense Recruitment: Encourage joining police and army; strengthen national capacity.

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Muhammad and his Family and all his Companions.

Honorable Dr. Abdullah, Honorable Mr. Danesh, Honorable Haji Mohaqiq, distinguished members of the Cabinet, esteemed Members of Parliament, Dr. Sima Samar, all elders, and especially the families of the martyrs: Peace be upon you, and God’s mercy and blessings.

On Criticism and National Unity

I express my gratitude to Mr. Fahimi¹. Every Afghan individual has the right to criticize their President. We are proud that we have the patience to listen to criticism. You asked about the PPS (Presidential Protective Service); 160 of our Hazara brothers are serving in the Presidential Palace protection unit, and the deputy of this department is Hazara. You criticized how General Murad Ali Khan was honored; the High Medal of Lmar, the highest military medal in Afghanistan, was awarded to him. Mr. Fahimi! Whenever you wish, come so we can speak with facts and evidence, and I thank you.

Ayatollah Fayyaz is one of the great personalities of this country. Mr. Danesh personally translated one of his fatwas. We are proud that, unlike Iran which does not have a single female judge, we have 249 female judges, which reflects the thinking of Mr. Fayyaz. Anyone committed to Afghanistan accepts reasonable and comprehensive criticism. Our shortcomings are not few; but a lack of will is not among them. Our belief in national unity and the equality of all brotherly and equal ethnic groups in Afghanistan is not among our failures. The Presidency, the Chief Executive Office, the Vice Presidency, and the Ministries are positions of service, not positions of idle talk or, God forbid, pride. Therefore, you were kind to come; always be kind, come back, and offer more criticism, but I hope it is backed by figures and numbers.

The Hostage Crisis and Military Reality

Mr. Mohaqiq mentioned what the government has done since the tragic day the hostage-taking began. Again, we will ask the Director of National Security to sit with all of you and provide reports week by week and month by month. If you look at my statement today, I noted that the hostages were moved 56 times continuously. Those who descended upon Khak-e-Afghan¹ were from all ethnic groups of Afghanistan; they testified that these people should be released. All your brothers gave their blood so that they might have life. Two operations were conducted; after that, the weather changed.

Another point that General Murad Ali Khan can explain to you in detail is that an all-out war was imposed on us. We have passed through seven stages of this war. Daily, our security and defense forces make sacrifices, and it is essential to honor these sacrifices. Afghanistan does not have the strength, unfortunately, to provide the necessities of its security forces for even one week without international assistance. Understand the limitations within the clear framework of our resources. General Murad is at the head of this with figures and numbers. Gaining the world’s attention and trust for cooperation within the framework of war has been part of our duty; if we have failed, we accept our "failure grade."

But I hope it is never thought that the Arg (Presidential Palace) belongs to us. The Arg does not belong to us; it belongs to the people of Afghanistan. Compared to this seat and throne, there is no more unstable seat on earth. Every world president who speaks with me or Dr. Abdullah says they understand we have the "worst job in the world." Our duty is to move from instability to stability, from injustice to justice, and from poverty, God willing, to prosperity.

On the National Mourning and Civil Unrest

I thank Mr. Alizadeh and Mr. Misbah. Regarding specific points: a preliminary declaration is before you that clearly presents the government’s commitments, but I will reiterate the points emphasized by Mr. Misbah.

First, regarding criticism and punishment. The pain is not just for seven people; the pain belongs to the entire nation. Today, all of Afghanistan is in mourning, and I specifically. From the bottom of my heart, I offer condolences to each of the survivors of the martyrs' families; their grief is shared. Unfortunately, they are not the only families sitting in mourning today. If you had a few moments, speak with the people of Shinwar, the people of Paktika, the people of Kunduz, or the people of Faryab. Helmand! Helmand today is sitting in absolute blood. Therefore, the grief is public.

In this nationwide war, thanks to our brave officers who belong to all people of Afghanistan and are all volunteers, they could not defeat us on the battlefield. Their goal is to create division (Tafriqa). Division is the greatest danger. Explosives and terrorists are dangers our security forces can handle, but the danger of division is different. If they tell me "death" a thousand times, I have lived my life—my life is a sacrifice for you—but shouting "death" at the institution of the Presidency helps the enemy. Threatening the state helps the enemy. Who helps the enemy? You answer this question.

Our security and defense forces could not conduct operations today because we were protecting the protesters. This is our duty. But today the streets of Kabul are closed. In this mud and rain, these "excellencies" [protest leaders] were approached ten times; they could have come to see me or the Chief Executive. Dr. Abdullah went to them yesterday, as did Mr. Danesh and Mr. Mohaqiq. Principles must be clear.

Brothers and sisters, if you criticize like Mr. Fahimi, you are welcome on both my eyes. But when you say "Death!" what does that mean? We speak of peace with those who accept peace. The chants of "Death" against us are given by the Taliban, ISIS, and our foreign enemies.

Action Plan and Security Commitments

Now to the first point: Revenge. See our broad message that "Justice" is our primary goal, absolutely! Mr. Misbah, we are in step with you. Allow us to act; our promise is not an empty one—the proof is the operations and sacrifices we made to release 19 people on one side and 8 on the other. They would not be free today if we had not taken the matter seriously.

Second, the security of the region and transit routes. I have given clear instructions to the Minister of Interior to provide you with actual reports, not theoretical ones. The Ministers of Defense and Interior and the NDS Director are acting with a specific plan for the security of transit routes. The activation of Khak-e-Afghan district is accepted in principle, but practically, understand our difficulties; this is not an easy task. Regarding one of the most remote points, I do not want to lie to you. The enemy's goal was to pull us into every corner of Afghanistan. When can this be implemented? We will sit with you in detail.

Attention to the heirs of martyrs is our duty. On Monday, there was a National Security Council meeting. So far, we have had three sessions on this subject, and our first topic is reaching out to the families of the martyrs. We have a clear commitment to assist within the government’s capabilities.

Regarding a Corps (Army Corps): this is not within my immediate capabilities. The ceiling of Afghanistan’s security forces is fixed at 350,000 personnel. The world does not provide more money. Within the existing arrangements, General Murad Ali Khan is responsible for determining how to deploy forces. We need a few months to review all forces. The Minister of Defense has taken up the basic plan and will report to you. The goal is for security to come, not just for a Corps to be built. Understand our limitations; we must convince international forces. I wish Afghanistan had immense wealth so that I could implement your requests tomorrow, but the redeployment of our forces is our main goal.

A Call for Burial and Order

My request is this: First, according to the principles of Islam, the martyrs must be buried. It is essential that this discussion does not remain in the streets. Protesters should come among the legitimate representatives of the people, the families of the martyrs, and the government. The government belongs to you.

The danger today! Again, ask your brothers; repeatedly there was a danger of a suicide bomber entering among the protesters. We directed the national security forces three times to prevent this. Let us know our enemies. In Khost, an MP was angry with the Governor; a meeting was held, and we lost more than twenty martyrs. My point is, within this framework, let us reach a clear conclusion. Second, these demands are reasonable. We have prepared a declaration for you; if you want changes in the text, suggest them. Third, a committee from you and those who represent the protesters should sit and reach a result. You are the elected representatives and the heirs; make the decision and guide us.

Final Personal Remarks

I express my gratitude for your advice and criticism. We have no goal but service. One point for Mr. Fahimi with all humility: I have disowned my own brother, and he cannot set foot in the Arg. I do not have "family" in the Arg, Mr. Fahimi! My family is all the people of Afghanistan. I do not belong to a political party or any movement; I belong to all the people of Afghanistan. If you find that a single member of my family has been appointed to a position, I will step down—cut off my hand.

I hope you also have the greatness to reconsider if your claims are not proven by facts and evidence, and in the future, look upon your servant [the President] with fairness.

Be alive, you are very welcome, and may you be in peace.

¹ Refers to the Khak-e-Afghan district in Zabul.

² PPS: Presidential Protective Service.