New governor vows positive changes

KUNDUZ CITY (PAN process within two months.

Ghulam Sakhi Baghlani, who replaced Mohammad Anwar Jagdalak, held out the promise while addressing a ceremony arranged in his honour. He was appointed by the Independent Directorate of Local Governance through a presidential decree.

He warned those involved in corruption and misuse of powers should relinquish their illicit activities otherwise stern action would be taken against them.

Referring to the establishment of a complaint department to address people’s problems, he said that “I will bring positive changes in the field of security and reconstruction.”

Abdul Matin Baig, deputy for finance and administration of the Independent Directorate of Local Governance, while reading out the governor’s letter expressed concerns over presence of armed groups in the province, demanding the tribal elders to extend their cooperation to the local government to flush out anti-social elements from the area.

Lauding the role of some officials and districts’ chiefs, he said that all government officials should work diligently to resolve problems of the people.

Asadullah Amarkhel, the Kunduz Peace Committee head, said the presence of armed individuals was a constant source of concern for the people. Local officials say more than 2,000 gunmen are active in Khanabad district.

Security transition from NATO-led troops to Afghan forces took place last year throughout the province except Khanabad district.

Abdul Qadeer Hussainkhel, the provincial council chief, said the former governor, despite efforts during the past three years, could not manage to implement reconstruction projects as per locals’ demands.

He urged the new governor to establish an efficient team to meet growing challenges being confronted by the people.

rm/mud