HERAT - President Ashraf Ghani, accompanied by a high-level government delegation, left for Herat on Saturday following the chaotic situation of the western province, officials said.

Ghani's visit came three days after he dismissed the acting governor for Herat, Syed Fazullah Wahidi, following increased kidnappings and targeted killings of businessmen, government officials and security personnel.

The acting ministers of defense and interior affairs and also the head of National Directorate of Security (NDS) are said to be accompanying Ghani where he is also expected to announce a new governor for the province.

During the meeting with the elders and members of Provincial Council, President Ghani assured that the security institutions have been given new directions. However, the directions are not disclosed to public so far.

"Our trip is focused on two things; security and governance," Ghani told the elders. "I need time to prepare a comprehensive plan for the people of Herat to engage them in country's economic sector."

After knowing the demands of Herat elders, Ghani promised to announce his plan for the province in near future.

Strongly criticizing the security agencies of Herat, the elders demanded skilled persons must be appointed in the key positions.

"As long as we don't have professional persons in our security institutions, our security would not be improved," a participant Toor Mohammad Zarifi insisted.

Ghani's visit of Herat came two weeks after hundreds of Taliban insurgents attacked a Bazaar in Shindand district fighting with the security forces for several hours.

Abductions, targeted killings and robberies are said to be the other major problems in the western province.

Ghani during his campaign had vowed to turn Herat into an industrial and trade capital. (Tolonews)