Ex-jihadi leaders denied cabinet posts: Ismail Khan

HERAT CITY (Pajhwok): Former jihadi in the new cabinet.

Speaking at a press conference in the capital of western Herat province, the then energy and water minister said the cabinet lacked professional individuals and jihadi figures.

He added former jihadi leaders had been denied key portfolios, which were instead doled out to communists, suggesting people like Ustad Abdul Rab Rassoul Sayyaf, Bismillah Khan Mohammadi and Mohammad Yunus Qanoni should have been introduced as ministers-designate.

He estimated that 25 percent of votes in the presidential elections had been cast in the western zone, which had been given inadequate representation in the Council of Ministers.

“Mujahideen, who sacrificed a lot for this country, have been denied cabinet posts,” Khan lamented, urging the international community to support a government that represented all Afghans.

The former water and energy minister insisted he meant to bring peace and stability to the country by demanding cabinet posts for the ex-jihadis.

The unity government has named 25 cabinet ministers, who are expected to appear before the lower house for a vote of confidence in three days.

Khan repeated his last week’s remarks that new insurgent groups, particularly the Islamic State, would launch their activities in Afghanistan over the next two months.

Three days ago, 207th Zafar Military Corps Commander Gen. Taj Mohammad had said they have received reports about the presence of IS fighters in neighbouring Farah province. He added security forces were investigating the reports.

Ismail Khan claimed the security situation in Afghanistan had deteriorated and the incumbent government lacked the ability to counter the IS threat. He said the Afghans should fully cooperate with their government in eliminating such threats.

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