News Detail
Militant atrocities would not be forgotten: Karzai
KABUL: President Hamid Karzai on Tuesday called on civilian killers that his administration, while pursuing peace with its opponents, had not forgotten the militants’ atrocities.
Addressing the seventh graduation ceremony for police officers in Kabul, Karzai denounced attacks on wedding parties recreational areas for children as a matter of shame.
However, the Afghan nation was proud of its security personnel’s willingness to die for the greater glory of the country and protection of its citizens, he added.
“The people who carry out suicide attacks have been brainwashed and they have forgotten humanity; so we have no complaint against them.” Karzai told about 535 graduating officers.
He said: “Supporters of bombers should not think we have forgotten their acts by seeking reconciliation. We want peace but will never forget the martyrdom of children, the elders and especially children.”
The international community had pledged $4.1 billion to fund security forces’ salaries, training and equipment over the next 10 years, he said, hoping Afghanistan would emerge as a strong country in the region in 15 years.
A decade back, he recalled, the average annual income of an Afghan was $180, compared to more than $600 now. Similarly, the Gross domestic product (GDP) was $4 billion a decade ago, but now it is nearly $20 billion and will double in the next 10 years.
“The future belongs to us. Afghanistan will be a powerful and self-sufficient country in the region,” he said, telling the police officers: “You are professional and educated people who are the country’s defenders.”
Karzai urged the graduates to avoid indulging in politics and having link with any group. He asked them to remain focused on law enforcement in the country.
The president also called for media outlets to encourage the security personnel into ensuring Afghanistan’s defence.
Interior Minister Bismillah Mohammadi told the gathering the national police force was steadily getting stronger and won people’s confidence. They were ready to take the security responsibility from foreign troops, he said.
According to the police academy commander, Brig. Gen. Nawroz Khaleeq, said that a total of 15,246 policemen, excluded the seventh batch of officers, had graduated from the academy over the past 10 years.--(PAN)
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