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‘Rubbing salt on wounds?’ Netizens question as Pakistan ‘Human Rights’ minister teases American over Taliban advancement

OpIndia Staff
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‘Rubbing salt on wounds?’ Netizens question as Pakistan ‘Human Rights’ minister teases American over Taliban advancement

US troops arrived in Afghanistan to help evacuate thousands of people, including embassy staff, and Afghans and their families who worked for them as the Islamist outfit Taliban finally reached the gates of Kabul on Sunday (August 15). In such a situation, when the Taliban offensive is resulting in a massive humanitarian disaster in Afghanistan, the ‘human rights’ minister of Pakistan tweeted an image which appeared to mock the situation unfolding in Afghanistan.

Shireen Mazari, the Minister for Human Rights in the federal government in Pakistan posted a tweet which juxtaposed the image of US withdrawal and evacuation exercise from Saigon in 1975 after Vietnam War with that of similar image from Kabul earlier today.

In her Tweet, she posted two pictures side by side. On the left, she posted the most iconic photograph of the Vietnam war, clicked by Dutch photojournalist Hugh Van Es, showing American diplomatic staff and Vietnamese evacuees boarding a helicopter on the roof of the US embassy in Saigon on 29 April 1975.

On the right-hand side, the Pakistan minister posted the picture of a US helicopter carrying out sorties between Kabul airport and the American Embassy, evacuating American diplomatic staff and thousands of civilians, both American and non-American. She captioned her post: “Saigon, Vietnam and Kabul, Afghanistan”.

By sharing the two pictures, Shireen Mazari attempted to poke fun at America, insinuating that for the US, the scramble to evacuate the Kabul assembly is a deja vu moment; a reminiscence of the humiliation it faced when it had to retreat from Saigon after the Vietnam war in 1975.

Between 29 and 30 April 1975, America had launched Operation Frequent Wind in which, 7,000 people were evacuated, including 5,500 Vietnamese, in less than 24 hours, when South Vietnam, backed by the US had surrendered, ending the decades-long war and signalling the reunification of North and South Vietnam.

Netizens, however, were not amused by the flippancy shown by Pakistan’s ‘human rights’ minister at a time as sensitive as this.

“Mame is this our state policy or you teasing US government in personal capacity? How would you respond if a US secretary of states tweets a picture of our troops signing a surrender deal in Dhaka?”, tweeted a social media user, offended by Shireen Mazari for making light of the serious situation in Afghanistan.

Another too castigated Pakistan ‘human rights’ minister for “openly celebrating the Taliban’s victory and teasing Americans”.

Some others schooled the Pakistan minister asking her to behave in accordance with her stature and repute.

Many denounced Shireen Mazari for celebrating the gross human rights violation against the innocent civilians of Afghanistan by the Talibanis, despite being a ‘human rights’ minister.

Ex-NDTV journalist Vikram Chandra opined that the Pakistani minister is “rubbing salt in American wounds”.

This is, however, not the first time the Pakistani federal minister was seen cheering the victories of the Talibani. Only two days back Shireen Mazari was seen celebrating over the fake news that the vice president of Afghanistan fled Kabul. She had posted a tweet on August 13, calling Amrullah Saleh, the vice president of Afghanistan, a coward, after media reports that he has fled from Kabul and gone to Tajikistan.

Amrullah Saleh has been highly critical of Pakistan for its support to the Taliban, and therefore the Pakistani leaders don’t leave any opportunity to criticise him. Last month, the vice president had warned that Pakistan will pay a heavy price for openly supporting the Taliban.

Therefore, when some reports said that Saleh had fled to Tajkiskistan, the Pakistani minister Shireen Mazari thought it was a perfect opportunity to mock him.

Congress opposes August 14 as Partition Horrors Remembrance Day fearing it will hurt Pakistan sentiments: Details

OpIndia Staff
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Congress opposes August 14 as Partition Horrors Remembrance Day fearing it will hurt Pakistan sentiments: Details

Former Union Minister during the UPA Government, P Chidambaram, has criticised Prime Minister Modi for his decision to declare the 14th of August the Partition Horrors Remembrance Day. According to Chidambaram, it will hurt Pakistan sentiments and it reflects a sense of immaturity on the part of the NDA Goverment.

Chidambaram said, “What will India do if Pakistan designates August 15 as ‘Partition Horrors Condemnation Day’?” He continued, “Hostility apart, India and Pakistan are neighbours. We can change our friends but we cannot change our neighbours. India should behave as a mature and seasoned nation.”

P Chidambaram on Partition Horrors Remembrance Day
Source: Twitter

It appears that the senior Congress leader does not wish for India to pay homage to the sacrifices of our ancestors and the tragedy that befell them during the partition of the country. It appears that wants India to give preference to Pakistani sentiments even though the Islamic Republic was responsible for the massive crisis that struck the Indian subcontinent in 1947.

Chidambaram appears to echo the sentiments of ’eminent intellectuals’ of a liberal bent who accused Narendra Modi of ‘polarising’ Independence Day.

On Saturday, Prime Minister Modi announced that the 14th of August will henceforth be observed as the Partition Horrors Remembrance Day. The choice of date was fitting since it is on that date that Pakistan celebrates its independence day.

The Prime Minister said, “The pain of partition of the country can never be forgotten. Because of hatred and violence, lakhs of our sisters and brothers were displaced and even lost their lives. In memory of the struggle and sacrifice of those people, it has been decided to celebrate 14th August as ‘Vibhishika Memorial Day’.”

He further added, “This day will not only inspire us to eliminate the poison of discrimination, animosity and ill-will, but it will also strengthen unity, social harmony and human sensibilities”.

Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai finally breaks her silence, says is ‘worried’ as Taliban takes over Afghanistan

OpIndia Staff
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Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai finally breaks her silence, says is ‘worried’ as Taliban takes over Afghanistan

Nobel Peace laureate Malala Yousafzai has finally voiced her worries over Taliban taking over Afghanistan.

Taking to Twitter, she claimed that she is deeply worried about women, minorities and human rights advocates. “Global, regional and local powers must call for an immediate ceasefire, provide urgent humanitarian aid and protect refugees and civilians,” she tweeted.

She had earlier came under fire for not uttering a word as Afghanistan spiralled into chaos after withdrawal of US troops as Taliban took over one city after other. Her tweet came after the country had fallen into the hands of Taliban as President Ashraf Ghani resigned.

Soon after her tweet, she came under criticism for not really addressing the elephant in the room and putting out a politically correct protocol type tweet.

However, some Islamists even asked her to shut up because they claimed Afghanistan is now in better hands as Taliban are better Muslims. One Mian Zubair also accused her of trying to appease those who had ‘backed her outside’.

It is worth noting that Malala rose to prominence in October 2012 after she was shot by Talibani terrorists for defying their orders and campaigning for female education in the Swat Valley in northeastern Pakistan. Severely wounded, she was airlifted from one military hospital in Pakistan to another and later flown to the UK for treatment, where she made a miraculous recovery.

Since then, she has been championing the cause of women and peace. However, she had maintained stoic silence all this while and finally tweeted after Taliban toppled Afghanistan government.

Afghan students in JNU appeal for visa extension as Afghanistan falls to Taliban

OpIndia Staff
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Afghan students in JNU appeal for visa extension as Afghanistan falls to Taliban

Amidst the deteriorating security condition in Afghanistan following the month-long offensive by Islamist outfit Taliban, Afghan students of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) have requested the Indian government to extend their visas.

While speaking about the matter to ANI, an Afghan student named Jalal-ud-din said, “My visa will expire next month. My request is to extend my visa for the long term. I don’t have any option. Other students from Afghan also facing the same problem.”

The same issue of security threat at the hands of the Taliban was also flagged by another student named Ali Asghar. While expressing fear about the future of women and religious minorities, the JNU student said, “I’m part of a minority community in Afghanistan. I am from Bamyan province. It was the most peaceful & safe province. Today I heard that they (Taliban) took control of my province. I am worried about the future of minorities and women.”

Other than Afghan students in JNU, even Afghan nationals who have been living in India have expressed their concerns over their country falling to Taliban.

Some of the Afghan nationals living in India are either on student or medical visa or have fled the country earlier and applied for refugee status.

Taliban takes over Afghanistan, government surrenders

After a month-long offensive against the Afghan army, terrorists associated with the Islamist outfit Taliban finally reached the gates of Kabul on Sunday (August 15). In a statement, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid claimed that the terrorists intended to enter Kabul in a peaceful way without force or war. He added, “The Islamic Emirate instructs all its forces to stand at the gates of Kabul, not to try to enter the city. Also, until the completion of the transition process, the security of Kabul city is referred to the other side, which must be maintained.”

Reportedly, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar will become the new president of Afghanistan under the Taliban regime after the Afghanistan Government surrendered to the Islamic terrorists. Earlier, a Taliban delegation led by Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar had made their way to the presidential palace after entering Kabul. However, some reports indicate that Ali Ahmad Jalali, former Afghan Interior Minister, will head the new transitional government in Afghanistan. President Ashraf Ghani was expected to relinquish power after talks with the Taliban. He has finally resigned earlier in the day and Ali Ahamd Jalali was appointed interim chief.

Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine goes woke, changes ‘breastfeeding’ to ‘chestfeeding’, ‘breast milk’ to ‘parent’s milk’

OpIndia Staff
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Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine goes woke, changes ‘breastfeeding’ to ‘chestfeeding’, ‘breast milk’ to ‘parent’s milk’

An organisation of doctors called the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM) has issued new guidelines that suggest using terms such as “chestfeeding”, “human milk feeding”, and “parent’s milk” to promote what it describes as “gender-inclusive language”.

According to the reports, the Chicago based ABM has issued a statement on “infant feeding and lactation-related language and gender”, co-authored by eight doctors. In the statement, the academy said that “the use of de-sexed or gender-inclusive language is appropriate in many settings.”

“ABM recognizes that not all people who give birth and lactate identify as female, and that some of these individuals identify as neither female nor male,” ABM said in a document.

In the new guidelines, the ABM has suggested “gender-inclusive terms” for “breastfeeding” that include – “chestfeeding”, “lactating, expressing”, “pumping”, “human milk feeding”. Similarly, alternatives for “breast milk” include “milk”, “human milk”, “mother’s own milk”, “parent’s milk”, and “father’s milk”.

One of the co-authors, Dr Laura Kair of the UC Davis Children’s Hospital, claimed that “language has power.” 

“The language that we use should be as inclusive as possible when discussing infant feeding,” she said adding that it is best for them to ask the patients about their affirmed terminology. When communicating medical research, language should accurately reflect the population studied so as not to mask research needs, she added.

Meanwhile, critics have slammed such terminology. Actress Kirstie Alley said she was “tired” of phrases “nullifying” women and their ability to breastfeed. 

“I’m a little tired of the degrading and nullifying of women and their abilities. Breastfeeding is one of our abilities. It’s a beautiful and important ability. Knock off the nullifying of women for the sake of lunatics. Equal rights does not equal insanity,” Alley tweeted.

This proposal joins that several proposals by the woke movement that essentially aims to ‘cancel’ women, where all feminine terms are replaced with ‘gender-neutral’ terms. These terminologies come after President Biden’s administration used the phrase “birthing people” instead of “mothers” in a 2022 budget proposal, causing massive outrage worldwide.

Earlier, in a similar bizarre incident, a hospital trust in the United Kingdom had instructed its staff to adopt “gender-inclusive language” for its perinatal services, including referring to “breastfeeding” as “chestfeeding” and “mother” with “mother or birthing parent”.

The Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust had decided to be more “gender-inclusive” to respect “trans and non-binary birthing people”. In doing so, they had changed the post-natal terminologies and instructed their staff to use phrases such as “human milk”, “chest milk”, and “milk from the feeding mother or parent” instead of the word “breastmilk”. They had concluded that the word “breast” is discriminatory.

This particular health trust had become the first to formally implement the “gender-inclusive” policy for its maternity services, which will now be referred to as “perinatal services” because the word “maternity” was not “gender-inclusive” for the trust.

The trust has also changed terminologies of “woman” with “woman or person”, “father” with “parent”, “co-parent” or “second biological parent”.

 

Who is Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar? The Taliban leader who is rumoured to become the next president of Afghanistan

OpIndia Staff
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Who is Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar? The Taliban leader who is rumoured to become the next president of Afghanistan

On Sunday, speculations were rife that Taliban commander Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar will become the new President of Afghanistan under the Taliban regime after the Afghanistan Government surrendered to the Islamic terrorists. President Ashraf Ghani is expected to relinquish power after talks with the Taliban in a mostly bloodless transfer of power. It is expected that US-based Ali Ahmad Jalali will head an interim government for the time being before the Taliban forms a full-fledged government under Ghani Baradar.

Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar led a Taliban delegation to negotiate with the Afghan government for the transfer of power in Afghanistan. He had made his way to the presidential palace after Taliban fighters had captured Kabul. After a month-long offensive against the Afghan army, terrorists associated with the Islamist outfit Taliban finally reached the gates of Kabul on Sunday.

Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar – a Pashtun goat herder to becoming Afghan President under Taliban regime

Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar is one of the four men who founded the Taliban movement in Afghanistan in 1994. According to Interpol, Mullah Baradar was born in Weetmak village in Dehrawood district, in the Uruzgan province of Afghanistan, in 1968.

Mullah Baradar, the co-founder of the Taliban, is a Durrani Pashtun of the Popalzai tribe, the same as former Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai.

After founding the Taliban movement in 1994 along with Mullah Mohammed Omar, Mullah Baradar rose to the ranks of a military strategist and commander. As a key Taliban leader, he was responsible for the day-to-day command of their operations against the US forces and also accessed funds from across the globe.

Baradar, who emerged during the 1980s in the ‘Jihad’ against the Soviet troops in Kandahar, went on to become a linchpin of the insurgency against the US troops after the Taliban were toppled by the US-led invasion in 2001.

Mullah Baradar has held important responsibilities in almost all the major wars across Afghanistan and remained the top commander of the Taliban’s formation during their war against the United States. At the time the Taliban was toppled by the US forces, Mullah Baradar was serving as Deputy Minister of Defence.

According to sources, Mullah Baradar’s wife is Mullah Omar’s sister, and as a trusted aide of the then Taliban chief, he controlled the financial operations of the Taliban.

Arrested by US forces in 2010, released before peace talks

Mullah Baradar, like other Taliban leaders, was targeted by UN Security Council sanctions, which included the freezing of assets, a travel ban and an arms embargo. He was eventually captured in a joint US-Pakistani operation in the southern Pakistani city of Karachi in February 2010.

Interestingly, until his capture, the world knew little of Mullah Baradar before his name topped the list of Taliban prisoners the Afghans wanted to be released to encourage peace talks with the Taliban. At the time of his arrest, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar was the second-in-command to the Taliban’s spiritual leader, Mullah Mohammad Omar, and one of his most trusted commanders.

On September 21, 2018, Pakistani officials released Mullah Baradar from their custody as a condition for talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban. He is reputedly one of those very few in the ranks of the Taliban who favoured talks with the US and the Afghan government.

As the Taliban began to take over Afghanistan after US forces began withdrawing from the war-torn country last month, Taliban leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Barada had travelled to China to met Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Prior to his visit to China, Mullah Baradar had also travelled to Russia to discuss future ties with the Communist country.

‘We will not leave until the mission is complete’: Watch what former US Pres George Bush had said after defeating Taliban in 2001

OpIndia Staff
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‘We will not leave until the mission is complete’: Watch what former US Pres George Bush had said after defeating Taliban in 2001

Unprecedented scenes were observed in Afghanistan as Taliban has managed to overthrow the incumbent US-backed government in the country. According to reports coming in, Taliban’s Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar is in contention to become the new Afghan President while Ali Ahmad Jalali, former Afghan Interior Minister, will head the transitional government.

The US exit after 20 years marks the return of the Islamic terrorist outfit to power. On the occasion of the fall of Kabul, the speech that former US President George Bush delivered in the aftermath of the USA’s victory over Taliban in 2001 has gone viral on social media.

In his speech, George Bush emphasised on ‘human rights’ and the support from allies. The speech was made on the 12th of December, 2001 during the Signing Ceremony for Afghan Women and Children Relief Act of 2001.

During the speech, George Bush said, “For several years, the people of Afghanistan have suffered under one of the most brutal regimes — brutal regimes — in modern history; a regime allied with terrorists and a regime at war with women. Thanks to our military and our allies and the brave fighters of Afghanistan, the Taliban regime is coming to an end.”

He continued, “Yet, our responsibilities to the people of Afghanistan have not ended. We work for a new era of human rights and human dignity in that country.”

Bush had stated, “Before the Taliban came, women played an incredibly important part of that society. Seventy percent of the nation’s teachers were women. Half of the government workers in Afghanistan were women, and 40 percent of the doctors in the capital of Kabul were women. The Taliban destroyed that progress. And in the process, they offered us a clear image of the world they and the terrorists would like to impose on the rest of us.”

George Bush had gone on to state, “The central goal of the terrorists is the brutal oppression of women — and not only the women of Afghanistan. The terrorists who help rule Afghanistan are found in dozens and dozens of countries around the world. And that is the reason this great nation, with our friends and allies, will not rest until we bring them all to justice.”

“America and our allies will do our part in the rebuilding of Afghanistan. We learned our lessons from the past. We will not leave until the mission is complete. (Applause.) We will work with international institutions on long-term development — on the long-term development of Afghanistan. We will provide immediate humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan,” he had added.

George Bush past comments go viral

With Taliban set to return to power, the comments made by George Bush 20 years ago have gone viral again.

Intelligence failure?

In the second week of August 2021, intelligence agencies in the United States of America had predicted that Kabul would fall within 90 days. A US defence official talking to Reuters citing US intelligence sources said that the new assessment of how long the Taliban will take to capture Kabul is a result of the rapid gains the Taliban has made in the recent weeks even as the US-led foreign forces prepare their final withdrawal from the country.

The official had added that it is not a forgone conclusion, as the Afghan security forces could be able to push back the Taliban by putting up more resistance. But Kabul has fallen to Taliban within a week of that statement.

Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar to become new Afghan President under Taliban regime as Ashraf Ghani set to exit

OpIndia Staff
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Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar to become new Afghan President under Taliban regime as Ashraf Ghani set to exit

Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar will be the new president of Afghanistan under the Taliban regime after the Afghanistan Government surrendered before the Islamic terrorists. President Ashraf Ghani is expected to relinquish power after talks with the Taliban.

Earlier, a Taliban delegation led by Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar had made their way to the presidential palace after entering Kabul.

However, some reports indicate that Ali Ahmad Jalali, former Afghan Interior Minister, will head the new transitional government in Afghanistan.

After a month-long offensive against the Afghan army, terrorists associated with the Islamist outfit Taliban finally reached the gates of Kabul on Sunday (August 15).

In a statement, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid stated, “Declaration of the Islamic Emirate not to fight in Kabul Praise be to God that with the help of God Almighty and the broad support of our people, all parts of the country have come under the control of the Islamic Emirate. However, since the capital Kabul is a large and densely populated city, the Mujahideen of the Islamic Emirate do not intend to enter the city by force or war, but rather to enter Kabul peacefully.”

He further added, “Negotiations are underway to ensure that the transition process is completed safely and securely, without compromising the lives, property and honor of anyone, and without compromising the lives of Kabulis. The Islamic Emirate instructs all its forces to stand at the gates of Kabul, not to try to enter the city. Also, until the completion of the transition process, the security of Kabul city is referred to the other side, which must be maintained.”

The Taliban had also urged President Ashraf Ghani to surrender to avoid bloodshed.

Did you know Prime Minister of India ‘hoists’ the national flag on Independence Day while the President of India ‘unfurls’ on Republic Day

OpIndia Staff
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Did you know Prime Minister of India ‘hoists’ the national flag on Independence Day while the President of India ‘unfurls’ on Republic Day

On August 15, India celebrates its Independence. Prime Minister hoists the national flag at the red fort and addresses the nation. The Tricolour is hoisted to commemorate the Inpendence Day or Swatantrata Diwas across the country. Interestingly, many do not know that we hoist the national flag on Independence Day and unfurl it on Republic Day.

Here are some of the key differences:

Significance

Independence Day is observed as India became independent of British rule on 15th August 1947 after the Indian Independence Act was passed. It coincided with the partition of India on religious lines and a new country Pakistan came into existence. Republic Day is celebrated to commemorate the date on which the Constitution of India came into effect on 26th Republic, 1950. The Constitution was adopted by the Indian Constituent Assembly on 26 November 1949 and came into effect on 26 January 1950 with a democratic government system.

Positioning of the National Flag on the pole

When the Tricolour is to be ‘hoisted’ on Independence Day, i.e. August 15, the flag is tied and sits at the bottom of the pole. The Prime Minister of the country raises the flag up and hoists it with the aim to honour the historical event of the day.

On the other hand, when the Tricolour is to be ‘unfurled’ on Republic Day, i.e. January 26, the flag remains closed and tied up at the top of the pole. The President of India unfurls it without pulling it up like it is done on Independence Day. The difference between the two ceremonies is because when India became Republic, it was already independent.

Who hoists or unfurls the Tricolour?

Prime Minister is the head of the government. He ‘hoists’ the flag on Independence Day. On the other hand, the President of India ‘unfurls’ the Tricolour on Republic Day as the constitutional head and first citizen of the country.

Location of the celebrations

On Independence Day, the Prime Minister of India hoists the flag at the Red Fort in New Delhi. On the other hand, the Republic Day ceremony of unfurling the flag by the President of India takes place at Rajpath in the national capital.

Activities on the two events

On Independence Day, a flag hoisting ceremony takes place, followed by Prime Minister’s address. There are some cultural performances by the children on the same day.

On Republic Day, a flag unfurling ceremony takes place, followed by a parade that includes a march by the Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, and Police Departments, along with the tableau of all the states and Union Territories take place. Cultural performances by children are also included in the ceremony.

Afghanistan: Kabul on the verge of fall as Taliban reaches final frontier, asks President Ashraf Ghani to surrender

OpIndia Staff
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Afghanistan: Kabul on the verge of fall as Taliban reaches final frontier, asks President Ashraf Ghani to surrender

After a month-long offensive against the Afghan army, terrorists associated with the Islamist outfit Taliban finally reached the gates of Kabul on Sunday (August 15).

In a statement, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid stated, “Declaration of the Islamic Emirate not to fight in Kabul Praise be to God that with the help of God Almighty and the broad support of our people, all parts of the country have come under the control of the Islamic Emirate. However, since the capital Kabul is a large and densely populated city, the Mujahideen of the Islamic Emirate do not intend to enter the city by force or war, but rather to enter Kabul peacefully. “

He further added, “Negotiations are underway to ensure that the transition process is completed safely and securely, without compromising the lives, property and honor of anyone, and without compromising the lives of Kabulis. The Islamic Emirate instructs all its forces to stand at the gates of Kabul, not to try to enter the city. Also, until the completion of the transition process, the security of Kabul city is referred to the other side, which must be maintained.”

Zabihullah Mujahid claimed, “We reiterate that the Islamic Emirate does not intend to take revenge on anyone, all those who have served in the military and civilian sectors in the Kabul administration are forgiven and safe, no one will be retaliated against. All should stay in their own country, in their own place and home, and not try to leave the country. We want all Afghans, from all walks of life, to see themselves in a future Islamic system with a responsible government that serves and is acceptable to all. God willing.”

Meanwhile, the Afghan government stated the defense forces are working with the international partners to control the security situation in Kabul. Reportedly, the Taliban has asked incumbent President Ashraf Ghani to surrender to avoid bloodshed. He is expected to agree to this demand, the Taliban will capture the presidential palace first after entering Kabul.

On Saturday (August 14), Afghan President Ashraf Ghani made his first public appearance after the Islamist terror outfit, Taliban, intensified its offensive and got hold of key territories. Dozens of border crossings and provinces have fallen into the hands of the Taliban since the US announced to withdraw its troops by August end.

In a pre-recorded message, the Afghan President called for the remobilisation of armed forces, following their crushing defeat at the hands of the Taliban. He emphasised that it was the topmost priority of the Afghan government. Ashraf Ghani said, “Under the current situation, remobilizing of the security and defence forces is our top priority and required measures are underway for this purpose.”

He also informed that the government is in touch with ‘local leaders’ and ‘international partners’ to resolve the ongoing human rights crisis. The Afghan President said, “I know that you are concerned about your present and future but I assure you as your president that my focus is to prevent further instability, violence, and displacement of my people. To do this, I have started widespread consultations within and outside the government, with political leaders and international partners and I will soon share the results with the people.”

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