Distinguished Guests!
Our Chief guest Mr. Gilani Sahab, the honorable ambassadors of foreign countries residing in Pakistan, representatives of the diplomatic community, respected leaders and representatives of Pakistan’s political parties, and other esteemed government officials; Respected Ulema, professors, students, academics, journalists, businessmen, representatives of refugees, tribal elders, brothers, and sisters! First of all, from the depths of my heart, I warmly welcome you and thank you for accepting our invitation and honoring us with your presence at this ceremony. Welcome once again Today, we have gathered here to celebrate a day of great significance for the Afghan people—a day that symbolizes the courage, sacrifice, and unbreakable spirit of Afghans. Four years ago, on this very day, with the help of Almighty Allah, under the leadership of the Islamic Emirate, the Afghan people regained their freedom for the third time from a third foreign occupation and took back control of their homeland. The struggle for the freedom of one’s homeland, and to live according to one’s own values, pride, and traditions is a natural, human, and legal right of every nation. When our leadership took control of Kabul on August 15, 2021, marking the end of the occupation, they sent a clear message to everyone: with the end of war and occupation, the chapter of hostility has also closed, and now we must open a new page in our relations. This new page should be based not on interference, imposition, coercion, and injustice, but on mutual respect, fairness, and dignity. A new chapter in relations will only have meaning if it ensures the protection of mutual interests among all countries. In foreign policy, we have established the foundation of engagement with all nations based on balance and economy-focused policies, extending relations rooted in mutual respect, shared benefits, and non-interference in each other’s internal affairs. Afghanistan has conveyed to all that our land is a center for cooperation, trade, and civilizational ties—not a ground for negative competition or hostility. This forms the basis of our foreign policy.
Distinguished Guests!
Over the past four years, with the support of its people, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, on the basis of its own domestic resources, has managed to reactivate the foundations of governance, bring order and stability to the system, and set a clear direction for the country’s reconstruction. In this regard, Afghanistan has witnessed many positive achievements. Alongside nationwide security and stability, favorable conditions have been created across the country for trade, investment, tourism, and large-scale projects. “Afghanistan’s foreign policy is based on the principles of peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, regional stability, and global partnership. As an essential member of the international community, we are committed to playing an effective role in strengthening global peace and promoting sustainable development for the benefit of all nations.”
Honorable Guests!
Afghan refugees residing in Pakistan—including scholars, teachers, students, businessmen, and all Afghans—have lived a life here that is worthy of pride. They have served as ambassadors of Afghanistan’s rich culture, national traditions, and Islamic values, and over the past four decades, they have never taken any action that, God forbid, would harm or tarnish the reputation of their country. On the contrary, they have acted as a bridge in strengthening relations between the two countries and have made a significant contribution to Pakistan’s economic growth. We are also grateful to the people and government of Pakistan for their hospitality. I must emphasize that the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has always welcomed its people, including Afghan refugees, and has been ready to provide any possible services to them. Over the past four years, around four million refugees have returned to the country from Pakistan and Iran. Based on the available resources, the Islamic Emirate has provided many services to them and continues to do so. Nevertheless, we once again call on the countries hosting Afghan refugees to ensure that the repatriation is carried out with dignity and respect, and that refugees be allowed to return to their homeland voluntarily and willingly. Finally, once again, I sincerely thank all our esteemed guests for joining us in celebrating this glorious day.
