KABUL - Thee chief executive officer (CEO) has slammed the international community for its declining attention to the counterterrorism campaign in the war-torn country.
The global fraternity should prioritise improved relations with Afghanistan, particularly in the area of fighting against terrorism, Dr. Abdullah said during his trip to western Herat province.
Efforts by some regional countries to promote peace and eliminate terror had lately lost momentum, Abdullah noted, calling the security problem in the country a huge challenge to the unity government.
“Most of our time, energy and resources are spent on security; it is a great burden on our shoulders,” remarked Abdullah, who traveled to Herat on Tuesday to ascertain public concerns.
He opened an exhibition of domestic products before holding meetings with religious scholars, mujahidin leaders, martyrs’ families, civil society activists, women and private sector representatives.
During his meeting with ulema, he called the role of scholars important in improving peace and security. Two messages of ulema might be more effective than 10 days of fighting by security forces in terms of peace, he remarked.
Yo end four decades of wars, the government was working on plans to ensure peace and stability in the country, the CEO said, pledging all possible efforts for prosperity of the people.
Ulema served as bridge between the people and the government, he observed, saying the scholars continued to raise their voices for national unity despite conspiracies form the enemy, he said.
The scholars hailed mosques and seminaries as centres of jihad, resistance and defence of Islamic values. They promised all-out cooperation with the government on peace and stability of the country.
They called threats to religious scholars, their assassination and blowing up of mosques major challenges from terrorist groups. They also asked the government to pay more attention to the security of ulema and mosques.
The CEO also met representatives of civil society institutes, athletes and youth. They asked Abdullah to give Herat an equitable share in management and civil services.
Youths’ representatives urged decentralisation of power and empowerment of local organs, saying that centralisation of finance and administrative affairs had caused problems. They said people had to travel to Kabul even for minor things.
Athletes requested the CEO for facilitating them to participate in national and international events. They also called for the construction of playgrounds in Herat.
In a meeting with Women Council members and businesswomen, Abdullah was asked to increase the number of lady doctors, give females a greater say in government affairs and provide them with financial services.
The CEO promised discussing their problems with the cabinet and seeking solutions in accordance with the law.

A number of traders, in a meeting with Abdullah, complained about corruption in customs, old tax systems and insecurity in the province. A technical team assessing Herat’s problems would submit its report to the government soon, he said. (Pajhwok)