Sort out rifts and move ahead, candidates told

JALALABAD (Pajhwok): Powerful tribal leader Haji Din Mohammad on Thursday urged the presidential candidates to put aside their differences to end the electoral crisis, saying Afghanistan was passing through a critical juncture.

In an exclusive interview with Pajhwok Afghan News, Din Mohammad said the prolonged crisis threatened the country’s security and economic situation. He warned the candidates would be held responsible if the situation worsened further.

Din Mohammad, who supports Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai, urged the presidential runners should work together for the country’s development and prosperity instead wasting time on trivial issues.

The former Nangarhar governor called for a homegrown solution to the political crisis, saying he had doubts about the international community’s sincerity.

He also came hard on the media for exaggerating the situation. Also member of the Change and Continuity team, he said he saw a stable and peaceful Afghanistan in future and hoped the current deadlock would be over soon.

He said their team was committed to ensuring the supremacy of law and preventing illegal activities. “Dr. Sahib (Ghani) has said those involved in illegal practices will be unable to continue their activities and will be brought to justice…”

Mohammad, who fought against the Communist Red Army during the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, supported the idea of a national unity government, which would ensure meritocracy.

Din Mohammad said members of the new government would work together in the larger interest of the country and anyone opposed to its policies would join the political opposition.

“The matter is very clear; the victor and the loser will have their own posts with due powers and privileges. We all will become one group in a government of national unity,” he maintained. 

About Pakistani attacks into neighbouring Kunar province, the former jihadi leader claimed the incursions were aimed at creating hurdles to concluding the electoral process.

“Targeting our borders at this important time is extremely regrettable. It would be better if the two countries create an environment of trust and cooperation,” he opined. 

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