Taliban officials mark independence anniversary with call to preserve system and curb opposition
Senior officials of the Taliban administration, at a ceremony marking 28 Asad, the anniversary of Afghanistan’s restoration of independence, focused largely on preserving the current system, restraining opponents and winning public support to continue their rule. The event also featured calls to respect the people’s demands, maintain unity and advance the economy.
Khalifa Sirajuddin Haqqani, acting interior minister of the Taliban administration, said that to preserve the country’s independence, the legitimate demands of the people must be respected and their views taken into account in building the system and developing Afghanistan. He added that a one-sided view should not be imposed on the people and that demands for people’s rights should not be met with insult or humiliation.
Haqqani also said independence is not achieved through security alone, adding that strengthening the economy, increasing production, meeting domestic needs, social justice, the rule of law and trust between the people and the system are also part of it. He described Afghanistan as the common home of all ethnic groups and regions and stressed unity among the country’s residents.
Fasihuddin Fitrat, chief of staff of the Taliban administration’s armed forces, warned opponents of the system that they cannot challenge the current order. He called on them to return to Afghanistan, but said that if they disrupt order and security, they will face a “firm and serious” response from the armed forces.
Amir Khan Muttaqi, acting foreign minister of the Taliban administration, claimed that Afghanistan has made progress in the economic and infrastructure sectors despite external pressure. He also said regional countries have realised that Afghanistan will not allow the implementation of the “agenda of foreigners.”
Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, deputy economic prime minister of the Taliban administration, also urged opponents to stand alongside the system and the people and avoid fuelling civil war. Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid, acting defence minister of the Taliban administration, said national interests should be placed above personal interests and that the Taliban administration is committed to making Afghanistan self-sufficient.
Abdul Salam Hanafi, deputy administrative prime minister of the Taliban administration, also stressed avoiding ethnic, linguistic, regional, professional and religious prejudices, saying these should not damage people’s unity. He further said modern equipping and training of military forces is also important.
28 Asad is observed in Afghanistan as the anniversary of the restoration of the country’s independence, a occasion that is marked every year with official ceremonies and speeches by officials.
