Taliban interior minister Sirajuddin Haqqani says that security cannot be ensured solely through weapons and the activities of security forces. Rather, social justice, public satisfaction, the rule of law, effective governance, and trust between the people and the government are the foundations of lasting security.
Speaking at a ceremony marking the 107th anniversary of Afghanistan’s independence, Haqqani said security is one of the fundamental needs of the Afghan people and that conditions must be created so that every citizen feels safe and secure in their home, village, and marketplace.
He added that independence can only be fully realized when the country has security, its economy is strengthened, national unity is expanded, and the needs of the people are met domestically. He also emphasized the importance of expanding relations with other countries on the basis of mutual respect.
Addressing opponents of the Taliban, Haqqani said they should not undermine the country’s security at the instigation of foreign countries, and called on them to join the Taliban in rebuilding Afghanistan.
The Taliban interior minister also said that August 19 (28 Asad), which is associated with Afghanistan’s Independence Day, has been accepted by the people, while August 15 (24 Asad), which marks the anniversary of the Taliban’s return to power, has not yet been widely accepted by the public.
He said that future generations may also commemorate August 15 and come to accept the day.
Haqqani claimed that national unity has been established in Afghanistan with the consolidation of the Taliban’s system. However, he said independence is not merely about commemorating a historical event; rather, the country can achieve self-reliance only when it has a well-trained generation in medicine, technology, and other professional fields.
He stressed that no one should impose their personal views or preferences on the people, and that the legitimate demands and rights of citizens must be respected.
Haqqani said that Pashtuns, Tajiks, Hazaras, Uzbeks, Turkmens, Baloch, Pashais, Nuristanis, and other ethnic groups in Afghanistan should consider themselves partners and key stakeholders in the country, and that the views of the people should also be heard when determining the country’s future.
Writer:Saeed Sameer
