H.E. Mawlawi Abdul Salam Hanafi, Deputy Prime Minister for Administrative Affairs, delivered a speech today at a ceremony marking the fourth anniversary of the Islamic Emirate's victory on 24th Asad, attended by senior officials and cabinet members.
At the beginning of his speech, the Deputy Prime Minister congratulated His Highness Amir-ul-Mu’minin, the Prime Minister, the families of martyrs, and the Afghan nation on this important occasion. He emphasized that the Afghan people have always made selfless sacrifices for the establishment of an Islamic system and the country’s freedom, with the defeats of the British and Soviet forces standing as powerful examples. However, he expressed regret that after the withdrawal of foreign occupiers, due to the incompetence of certain officials, chaos once again spread across the country. Infrastructure was destroyed, oppression intensified, security completely collapsed, and the people were left to live in fear.
The Deputy Prime Minister recalled that during a time of turmoil, dedicated youth under the leadership of the late Amir-ul-Mu’minin Mullah Mohammad Omar Mujahid (may Allah have mercy on him) rose to defend the nation and establish an Islamic system. Through perseverance and sacrifice, they brought Islamic governance to the majority of the country, enforcing Hudood and Qisas, which paved the way for peace and stability.
The Deputy Prime Minister further stated that Western forces invaded and occupied Afghanistan under various pretexts. During the occupation, infrastructure was destroyed, agriculture collapsed, and educational and religious institutions were bombed. Corruption reached alarming levels, and drug addiction affected nearly five million people, including women and children. Thousands of Afghan youth were martyred, imprisoned, disabled, or displaced. Yet, despite these challenges, the resistance persisted until the occupiers were ultimately defeated and forced to withdraw.
He emphasized that under the Islamic Emirate, security has been firmly reestablished nationwide, promoting unity and social cohesion among the population. He noted that the general amnesty has ended cycles of retaliation, enabling former opponents to live peacefully with their rights protected. Additionally, strict bans on narcotics cultivation, trafficking, and use have been enforced, while widows and orphans receive fair and nondiscriminatory support.
The Deputy Prime Minister highlighted the return of over 3 million Afghan refugees from neighboring countries in recent years. He credited the Islamic Emirate officials for effectively managing the repatriation process and ensuring that all essential services were provided to the returnees.
He expressed confidence in protecting the rights of all citizens and emphasized that the Islamic Emirate seeks to strengthen unity and brotherhood among the people of Afghanistan. He called on all Afghans living abroad to return to their homeland, emphasizing that Afghanistan is the shared home of all its people and urging everyone to live together in unity, brotherhood, and mutual respect.
In conclusion, the Deputy Prime Minister stressed the Islamic Emirate’s commitment to friendly relations with all countries, especially neighbors. He affirmed that no one will be allowed to use Afghan soil to threaten others, and that Afghanistan will not interfere in other nations’ affairs nor tolerate interference in its own. The Emirate aims to focus on economic growth and build positive global relations.
