Afghans deserve to be consulted, says Akbar Agha

KABUL (Pajhwok): A former member of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, Syed Mohammad Akbar Agha, says Afghans reserve the right to be consulted and curbs on girls’ education should be removed.

Power-hungry Afghans

On Pajhwok’s Guest Programme, Agha listed the defeat of NATO and Western nations in Afghanistan, filling of the political vacuum, collapse of the previous government and the announcement of the Islamic system as achievements of the IEA.

“There have been disagreements here and such divisions continue to linger on. But there is also unity. Rifts are being fomented by countries that don’t want an Islamic system or seek to promote their own interests in Afghanistan.

“Also, the Afghans who believe they haven’t lined their pockets in the past 43 years also want to come back to power,” he explained, insisting there were no domestic differences or complaints against the Taliban.

The former IEA official blamed foreigners for creating problems in Afghanistan, such as non-recognition of the caretaker government, immigration of businesspeople and human capital flight.

Agha cautioned: “Intra-Afghan problems should not be externalised. If foreigners do this, it amounts to clear interference in Afghanistan’s internal affairs. If Afghans strive to do this, I think, they are alienating themselves. The best thing is Afghans must resolve issues among themselves.”

According to him, issues concerning women be solved on a way that does not harm the Islamic system.

“Foreigner are exploiting the ban on women’s education. they want to achieve their own goals and create a gap between the government and the people. But this practice should end,” he continued.

Sacrifices rendered by Afghans

“There are two types of opposition –ideological and profound differences. Profound disagreements lead to conflict while the clash of opinion cannot be reason for harming the Emirate. Profound disagreements don’t exist here.”

He added the opposition created by Afghans abroad did not have enough possibilities to fight. Therefore, he argued, such groups should be turned into normal movements to evolve consensus on basic issues.

“There has been 43 years of war in Afghanistan. Members of each Afghan family have been injured, martyred, imprisoned, forced into migration, and have twice participated in jihad.

“Around 95 percent of Afghans have been in such a situation; they say they have the right to be consulted, given a seat or something else,” he commented.

Agha added: “I think all tribes be asked about the basis for their opposition to the government or their decision to fight…tribes should be authorised and given a role in the government.”

He added skillful people from all tribes be included in the government and given authority.

He underlined the need for the inclusion more people in the government. If the Islamic Emirate also kept a limited number of ministers and governors, it would be following in the footsteps of the Karzai and Ghani administrations.

Ever since he created the Salvation High Council, Agha said he had never aspired for a seat and would not accept it, even if offered.

sa/mud

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