How can we have a stable, strong and prosperous Afghanistan?

The distressed people of Afghanistan have been burning in the flames of insecurity and wars for the last four decades in quest of independent, strong and stable Afghanistan. As such, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) wants the ongoing tragedies to end with all its factors and the Afghan people come together in the shade of an Afghan-inclusive Islamic system in their independent country. To reach this goal, the Islamic Emirate signed a historical agreement with the United States of America on February 29, 2020.

The Doha Agreement between the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and the United States of America opened the way of great opportunities for both sides — leading to release of 5,000 prisoners of the Islamic Emirate and 1,000 that of the Kabul administration; commencement of intra-Afghan negotiations, completion of withdrawal of great part of foreign troops (from the country) while withdrawal of the remaining small number is underway. Notwithstanding the hurdles and problems that were faced and being faced during the implementation of the Agreement, still it is the only prospect to bring peace to Afghanistan. It can pave the way to end the tragedy of Afghanistan by implementing the remaining parts of the Agreement that include the release of the remaining prisoners and removal of the black and award lists. Now as the foreign forces are on the verge of completion of withdrawal from Afghanistan, efforts should be made—following the obtainment of independence—to form a system that caters to the aspirations of the Afghan people for tranquility and prosperity. This is possible when a system as per the wants and aspirations of the Afghans is established.

A genuine Islamic system is the best mean for solution of all issues of the Afghans and it is the very demand that the Afghans have convergence on its realization, without having difference about it–a powerful Islamic system that is able to defend Afghanistan vis-a-vis foreign invasions and interferences — and can assure the world about peaceful co-existence of Afghanistan with them.

Consolidation of an Islamic system in Afghanistan certainly, depends on the Afghans’ mutual compromises, hard decisions and accepting each other because positive advancement is not possible in a time of dissension, war, and confrontation.

Consolidation of a strong Islamic system is not only significant for the Afghans, so is it essential for the world because a powerful, united, and corruption-free Afghanistan is better for the world and the United States than a powerless, decentralized and corruption rampant administration.

We understand that the world and Afghans have queries and questions about the form of the system to be established following withdrawal of foreign troops. Answering these questions, we would like to say that these are within the ambit of the intra-Afghan negotiations. We must not lose negotiations’ opportunities by mere premature guesswork. Our very participation in the negotiations and its support on our part indicates openly that we believe in resolving issues through (mutual) understanding.

We urge the International Community to let the Afghans decide their fate and that of their country themselves because Afghans have worst memories from systems imposed on them from outside. As for us, we appreciate and do welcome efforts aimed at pragmatically ending problems, instability, and anarchy in the country. All those who are intending to assist and cooperate in this regard must take into account the ground realities of the Afghan society. We are committed to forging ahead with the other sides in an atmosphere of mutual respect and reach an agreement about a new political system that embodies voices of all Afghans.

We take it on ourselves as commitment to accommodate all rights of citizens of our country whether they are male or female in the light of the rules of the glorious religion of Islam and the noble traditions of the Afghan society. Our society, being Afghan and Islamic, proper environment and facilities will be provided for women’s work and education so they can carry out their activities with confidence and with a feeling of assurance.

The Islamic Emirate is determined to create suitable opportunities for its compatriots to serve the country and people. We all should join hands to reconstruct our country and serve our people. Our homeland and people are in desperate need of national businessmen, youths, professionals, and experts. Youths are like the backbone of a society. We call on the young generation, you have the responsibility to serve your country and people; the Islamic Emirate will provide you this opportunity. Stay with your families and serve your country and people in order to ensure a proud and comfortable life for yourselves and the coming generations, rather than heading for abroad, a way from your families and children, in quest of a morsel of bread.

The rights of minorities and all citizens will be secure in the coming system; no one needs to worry about it.

Afghanistan is a significant member of the international community because of its geographic location; we want Afghanistan to have positive and beneficial relations with other countries of the world. Afghans need and welcome constructive cooperation of the world in rehabilitation of future Afghanistan.

The Jihad and struggles of the Afghan people against the foreign invasion was and is their proven right as per all religious rules and legislated laws.

The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan wants to take needful measures in coordination with and cooperation of the international community and its support to eliminate narcotics by providing an alternative livelihood, and treat the addicts who unfortunately number in millions now.

The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan assures the international community that no threat will be posed by the Islamic Emirate to foreign diplomats as well as to workers of NGOs based in Afghanistan. Humanitarian NGOs have been carrying out their philanthropic activities in our country in coordination with the Islamic Emirate for a long time now. The Islamic Emirate sees it as its responsibility to provide a safe environment for their constructive works.

To end, I would like to point out a fundamental principle i.e. the Islamic Emirate does not allow anyone to use the soil of Afghanistan against security of others nor allows others to interfere in our affairs. The people of Afghanistan want to lead an honorable and peaceful life in the world in the light of their Islamic and national values.

Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar

Deputy-Chief for Political Affairs and Head of the Political Office, IEA.

20/06/2021