KABUL: Interior Minister, Khalifa Sirajuddin Haqqani, has described August 15, observed by the Islamic Emirate as “Victory Day,” as a symbol of honor and pride.
In an exclusive interview marking the occasion, Haqqani said the victory was achieved, with the help of Allah Almighty and the sacrifices of Afghans, adding that enemy propaganda and extensive resources had weakened the morale of some people during the early stages of the conflict, but that leadership, unity, and efforts among the fighters changed the situation within about two years.
Haqqani described the early days of the conflict as difficult and marked by despair, saying thousands of people were martyred before the occupying forces were forced to accept defeat.
He said that after the victory, they entered the country not as an army seeking revenge but as a “caravan of forgiveness,” and attributed the establishment of security and national unity to what he described as the unity between the people and the Mujahidin.
Haqqani stressed that national unity is the foundation of Afghanistan’s current achievements and said efforts would continue to address the country’s remaining challenges.
He also emphasized the Islamic Emirate’s willingness to maintain positive engagement with the international community, saying Afghans are people of dialogue and consultation and prefer negotiations to resolve disputes.
Haqqani further called on countries to study Afghanistan’s historical experience when considering what he described as any “ill intentions” toward the country.
He concluded by congratulating the Afghan people and Mujahidin on the occasion of August 15, “Victory Day.”