KABUL - President Ashraf through a decree has awarded the rank of general to the interior and defence ministers on the occasion of Afghanistan’s 97th Independence Day.
The decree read out at a gathering marking the country’s 97th Independence Day in Kabul said the promotions had been approved.
The decree also said the promotion of 60 defence and security officials had also been approved. Defence Minister Lt. Gen. Abdullah Habibi and Interior Minister Lt. Gen. Taj Mohammad Jahid were promoted to the rank of general.
In addition, appreciation letters and medals for 450 defence and security forces had also been approved in the decree.
The decree also said families of the fallen security personnel would receive additional aid packages on the occasion of Eidul Azha.
Speaking at the gathering, President Ghani thanked the security forces for their sacrifices, saying every service member and officer of the armed forces was protecting the honour of the Afghans who stood behind the security forces.
He said the Afghan forces against the projection showed their commitment, management and the will and as a result, Afghanistan received new pledges at the Warsaw Summit.
Chief of Army Staff Gen. Qadam Shah Shahim also spoke on the occasion and praised the security forces. He said the security forces enjoyed full support of the nation.  He said the Afghan forces were determined to turning Afghanistan into a graveyard of terrorists.
He said the Afghan forces had strengthened enough and could deal with any kind of threat. “I can say with confidence that Afghanistan will never turn into a safe haven for terrorists and international terrorists will never be able to stand ground in Afghanistan.”(Pajhwok)