Senators welcome HIA in political fold

KABUL (HIA) leader Gulbadin Hekmatyar’s call on supporters to vote in the April presidential and provincial council elections.

The senators veiwed the HIA coming into the political fold as key to securing the country’s future and boosing security.

However, others blamed Hekmatyar and his supporters for what they alleged comitting criminal activities in Afghanistan, calling for the group to be banned from participation in the elections.

A day earlier, HIA leader Ghairat Baheer told Pajhwok Afghan News Hekmatyar through letters had asked HIA leaders in provinces to take part in the upcoming elections.

Qaribur Rahman Saeed, the HIA former spokesman and the faction’s political and peace Jirga head in Europe, said the HIA would support a candidate “better suited to the party’s policies.”

Rafiullah Haidari, a senator from eastern Kunar province, said Hekmatyar’s decision to participate in the polls would boost security and law and order situation ahead and during the election process.

The Arghandiwal-led group executive body member, Mohammad Khan, is contesting the presidential elections as Dr. Abdullah Abdullah’s first-vice presidential running mate. Another key leader of the group, Qutbuddin Hilal, is contesting the elections as an independent candidate.

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