KABUL - President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani on Tuesday praised valor demonstrated by Essa Khan, an Afghan National Army (ANA) soldier, who eliminated six terrorists during an attack on the Afghan parliament.

A total of eight insurgents launched attack on Wolesi Jirga in capital Kabul, with one of them blew his explosive-laden vehicle up in front of the parliament building gate, providing others to force their way inside the building.

The president awarded one apartment to the soldier in recognition of his bravery that he demonstrated during the attack, a statement from the Presidential Palace said.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Abdullah Abdullah and other senior officials were also present on the occasion. Essa Khan said he trapped the attackers and shot six of them dead.

Ghani said as a result of security forces swift action, the nation was protected from a big catastrophe.

The Ministry of Defence also in a statement confirmed the courage and resilience shown by ANA soldier Essa Khan during attack on parliament.

It added the gallantry of Essa Khan was praised by the entire nation and majority of lawmakers donated their one and two month salaries to him.

Also members of Mesharano Jirga in today’s session lauded Essa Khan and decided to cut 5,000 afghanis from the salaries of every lawmaker and donate to the ANA soldier.

Senate Chairman Fazal Hadi Muslimyar  and Eng. Farhad Sakhi, a lawmaker from Kabul, donated 200,000 afghanis to Essa Khan and 200,000  and 300,000 to others security officials of the parliament. (Pajhwok)