GAZDAIZ - In an address to military forces in Paktia province on Friday, President Ashraf Ghani said the world has heard Afghanistan’s voice on counterterrorism efforts and that “the Taliban must know they cannot win the war”.
“You (enemies) should know that Afghanistan’s strategic situation has changed and you (Taliban) cannot win on the battlefields,” Ghani said in a visit to the Thunder Military Corps Headquarters in Gardiz, the capital city of the province.
He said the number of Afghan Air Force will be doubled in the near future.
“Our air support has been doubled in the past two weeks and now our martyred and wounded army and police force members will not remain on the battlefields,” said Ghani.
Referring to changes in his foreign policy, he said Afghanistan been able to defend its national interests against Pakistan after four decades.
“Our 40 years’ demands would have not been accepted if we were not successful in our foreign policy. (Previously) we were waiting to talk with Pakistan equally, but now we hold talks with Pakistan with an honor and we preserve our interests (in these talks),” Ghani added.
At the same event, Paktia governor Shamim Katawazai asked the president to deliver his promises on implementing development projects in the province.
“In the past ten years, promises were made to Paktia residents, but none of them were addressed. For me, it will be very bad to give empty promises to the people. I urge you (President Ghani) to deliver the commitments made to the people,” said Katawazai. (Tolonews)