WJ to summon security officials over Helmand

KABUL speaker Mir Rahman Rahmani on Wednesday said security officials would be summoned to a special meeting to provide information about the security situation in southern Helmand province.

It comes after acting Minister of Defense Asadullah Khalid traveled to Helmand province to investigate the security situation there today.

Fawad Aman, MoD deputy spokesman, told Pajhwok Afghan News minister Asadullah Khalid met with Helmand governor Maj. Gen. Mohammad Yasin and security officials and discussed the latest security situation there.

He said Asadullah Khalid thanked security forces for their efforts regarding protection of people lives and properties in Helmand in the recent clashes there.

The Minister of Defense visits Helmand after the Taliban militants coordinately attacked the province from several directions four days back, forcing more than 5,000 families to flee.

Meanwhile, security forces say around 200 Taliban militants have been killed in Helmand in their recent attacks.

The Wolesi Jirga or lower house of parliament at today’s session discussed the country’s overall security situation particularly of Helmand province.

Shinkai Karokhail, a lawmaker from Kabul, said Punjabis along with Taliban militants have been fighting against Afghan security forces in Helmand, saying the militants wanted to loot public properties and collapse the system.

She urged the US to bring further pressure on the militants to stop war in Afghanistan and declare ceasefire in the country.

Nasima Niazai, another lawmaker from Helmand province, said Punjabi fighters were present in the Helmand war to help the Taliban gain leverage in the peace negotiations.

She expressed her deep concern over the country’s latest security situation especially about her province, urging security officials to pay strong attention to the Helmand security.

A number of other lawmakers expressed similar views and urged the government to address issues of recently displaced families in Helmand as soon as possible.

Mir RahmanRahmani, Wolesi Jirga speaker, urged security forces to end war in Helmand and address displaced families’ difficulties.

He said security officials would be summoned to the house to provide information about Helmand clashes to lawmakers.

He tasked the Wolesi Jirga security and defense commissions to share the Helmand war with the authorities concerned and share their report with the house.

Pk/ma