Strength, Sacrifice, and Sovereignty: Afghanistan’s Path to Security and Institutional Excellence

(Speech at the Inauguration of the New Ministry of Defense Building)

Keypoints: 

• Honoring the Fallen: Recognizing sacrifices of soldiers, officers, and families.
• Professionalizing the Army: Strengthening training, readiness, and institutional capacity.
• Unity and Volunteerism: Army composed of volunteers from all regions, defending the homeland.
• National Duty: Soldiers’ commitment to protect the flag and country.
• Institutional Decision-Making: Operations guided by institutions, ensuring accountability.
• International Support: Contributions from the U.S., India, Germany, Canada, Japan, and others.
• Modernization: Mi-35 helicopters and new military assets for enhanced capability.
• Citizen Support: Call for unity and respect for security forces’ sacrifices.
• Future Vision: A strong, professional army securing Afghanistan’s stability and sovereignty.

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

Your Excellencies Dr. Abdullah Abdullah; the Honorable Chief Justice; Respected Mr. Stanekzai; Mr. Olomi; distinguished members of the Wolesi Jirga and Meshrano Jirga; General Campbell; Respected Mr. Mohammadi, the former Minister of Defense; Respected Mr. Karimi, the former Chief of Staff; our proud Generals of Afghanistan; officers, soldiers, families of our martyrs; members of the diplomatic corps; sisters and brothers: Peace be upon you and the mercy and blessings of God.

The Edifice of Professionalism

Today, with the completion of this magnificent edifice, the Afghan Army takes a momentous step toward institutionalization, consolidation, and professionalization. I congratulate you all. However, our first thoughts must turn to the families of our martyrs, the martyrs themselves, and our wounded. In the theater of war—in a conflict imposed upon the people of Afghanistan—our heroic Army has authored a legend of valor. Your achievements will be inscribed in golden script for all future generations.

The Social Contract with the Fallen

First, on behalf of the entire nation, I extend my profound gratitude to the families of the martyrs. Second, I pledge that our social contract with you shall be enduring. No one will ever forget your martyrs, and the term "orphan" shall not be applied to your children. The National Unity Government will consistently stand by its commitments, ensuring avenues for their education and full participation in society.

Strategic Alliances for Stability

Afghanistan maintains a robust alliance and cooperation with the international community, established on the bedrock of shared interests and objectives. From the United States—specifically General Campbell—and also from the Federal Republic of Germany and their Respected Ambassador, I express my heartfelt appreciation on behalf of the Army and the people of Afghanistan. Our sustained cooperation will, God willing, result in stability, security, and pervasive prosperity for Afghanistan and the region in the years to come. Dear sisters and brothers! The year 1394 was an arduous year. For this reason, I once again express my gratitude to every soldier, sergeant, officer, general, and all personnel of our heroic Army, the National Police, and the National Security. I also thank Mr. Stanekzai for his sound management and continuous efforts to ensure the Army remains professional and increasingly potent. Manana! Kor de wadan! (Thank you! May your home be prosperous!)

Beyond Infrastructure: An Institution of Heritage

We are present in this hall today not because the gift of peace was handed to us. We are here because our children have secured the independence of Afghanistan on the battlefield. As the Minister of Defense noted, this structure is not merely a building; it is a national institution. Within these walls, future generations will preserve the heroic heritage of thousands of years that flows in our blood. Defense of the motherland is inherent in our nature and our essence—but it shall be managed through a distinct, authentic, and functional administration. The facilities provided here are unparalleled in the region. I am entirely confident that with our professional generals and officers, we will provide the environment for our brave soldiers to continue their achievements with efficacy, unity, and harmony.

Symbol of Unity and Voluntary Spirit

Our Army is the symbol of our national unity. There is not a single individual in the entire Army who has been coerced into service. All are volunteers, arriving from every corner of Afghanistan to proudly defend our flag in every corner of the country. I recall, during the initial phase of the Interim Government, an officer in a remote desert of Nimroz who was guarding a tattered flag. When asked why, he replied: "Because this is my soil; it is the land bequeathed to me by my parents, and I will protect it." This is the spirit of our National Army. We take pride in this national spirit, and as long as this spirit persists, Afghanistan shall endure forever.

Countering the Psychological War

I wish to fulfill a national obligation today—a message I have heard from sergeants, soldiers, and officers in every corps of Afghanistan. The message is simple: We, the brave sons who are enamored with this homeland, require the cooperation and support of the respected representatives of the people, the National Assembly, the Provincial Councils, civil society institutions, and the media. On the battlefield, the morale of our soldiers is not fragile. Every attempt by the enemy to create two political geographies in Afghanistan has been thwarted. However, at times, erroneous reports and detrimental commentaries—unsubstantiated by reality—lead to questions: Why is our sacrifice not met with trust? Why is our morale being questioned? If anyone has doubts, compare us to the armies of nations that have abandoned vast territories. Has our heroic Army or Police fled from any trench that would warrant such reprimand? Their other message is this: if we err, point it out as elder brothers so we may learn; but please, stand behind your security and defense forces as a unified front.

Institutional Governance vs. Individual Decisions

There is no alternative to the security institutions of the state. The National Army, Police, and National Security perform their duties according to the Constitution, and we must all stand in a single rank behind them. There is a psychological war being waged. I want to address one point: rumors are spread that permission for operations is withheld. How can permission be absent when for ten months we have conducted operations in at least 15 locations daily? Does this conform to logic? Therefore, I wish to utilize this opportunity to elucidate the decision-making mechanism. The primary effort of the National Unity Government has been to ensure that institutions replace individuals. Decisions regarding operations do not belong to any single person; they belong to institutions. Within the Ministry of Defense, a unified command center exists where the Chief of Staff, the Senior Security Deputy, and the Operational Deputy are present 24/7. Minister Saheb! Invite our respected journalists again; show them this center so they understand where and on what basis decisions are formulated.

A Culture of National Appreciation

Furthermore, our Special Operations Command has the explicit right to make decisions based on the intelligence provided to them. Accountability lies with the National Security Council. A fundamental point I hope all our personnel have observed is that the entire state speaks with one voice in honoring your sacrifice. A culture of appreciation is essential, for no price can be placed upon such sacrifice. Every soldier could earn significantly more in civilian life; they choose the security forces because they possess faith in the future of this nation. Because of them, future generations can plan with confidence—every girl and boy can aspire to be a doctor or engineer, or even the seasoned generals and ministers of tomorrow. Therefore, I request from all strata of Afghanistan—the Ulema, the representatives, and civil society—to defend our forces as one rank.

The Strengthening of Air Assets

Finally, regarding our Air Force: I have two items of good news. First, I thank the great Republic of India—their Ambassador is present, and Excellency Modi has visited—for the four Mi-35 helicopters which were an urgent necessity. Three have arrived, and the fourth is on its way. Simultaneously, I thank General Campbell; the loading of combat aircraft for our Air Force has commenced, and within three weeks, the first batch will be delivered. I thank the U.S., Canada, Europe, Japan, Australia, and the forty nations of the Resolute Support Mission. This is a major step in ensuring our forces have the funding, equipment, and training they require. Why did the world decide to extend this mission? Because of the sacrifice, devotion, and soldierly conduct of our forces. Again, thank you! Koruna mo wadan! Those who face the bullet do so intentionally and with faith in God. "God, Homeland, Duty" are the sacred mottos of this Army. Their implementation occurs daily.

Long live Afghanistan!