Deputy PM for Economic Affairs Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund: Malicious and destructive groups should stop needless destruction at the instigation of others

Deputy PM for Economic Affairs Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund today, Wednesday, August 19, 2026, attended and addressed a ceremony held at the Ministry of Defense to mark the 107th anniversary of Afghanistan’s independence from British colonial rule.
Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund congratulated the proud and Mujahid Afghan people on this independence, prayed for the souls of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the struggle to regain independence, and said that living an independent life is among the foremost values of Afghans, who will never accept a life of captivity and slavery.
Emphasizing the importance of preserving independence, the Deputy PM said: “The purpose of commemorating the days of independence should not merely be to remember the sacrifices and heroes of that time. Rather, our most important message should also be to preserve the independence we have achieved and, in the fullest sense, prevent the recurrence of all forms of political, economic and military colonialism. This will be possible when all Afghans unite to safeguard our high religious and national values, refrain from destroying our homeland at the instigation of others, pursue modern education in accordance with the demands of the times, and become owners of technology and our own modern means and equipment.”
Deputy PM Mullah Baradar Akhund said that with the end of the 20-year American occupation of the country, this nation once again became independent in determining its own destiny and managing all its affairs. He added: “Today, our nation is neither captive, nor does anyone else determine our political and economic destiny; our territorial integrity is not under threat; our property and honor are not viewed with ill intentions; and we do not make decisions at the direction of others. Praise be to Allah, through the blessing of independence, our major and fundamental values are fully protected.”
The Deputy PM also called on all destructive and malicious elements to stop needless destruction at the instigation of others, refrain from fueling civil wars, and allow Afghans to live in peace. He thanked all security officials of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan for working day and night to safeguard the country’s security.
The Deputy PM also called on all forces that harbor ill intentions toward Afghanistan. He said that they should learn from Afghanistan’s history and, instead of interference and confrontation, pave the way for comprehensive political and economic engagement within the framework of established principles. He said that this is important not only for Afghanistan, but also for the security and economic stability of the countries of the region and the world. He stated that the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan is ready for active regional and international engagement and has clear frameworks for cooperation in this regard. The world, he said, should also have the courage to engage in formal political interaction and make use of this opportunity.
Referring to the country’s economic situation, the Deputy PM said that major economic projects are currently underway in the country and that significant achievements have been made in this area. He added that the Islamic Emirate is continuously striving to create employment opportunities for its citizens. In this regard, he emphasized the importance of public support for the country’s economic projects.
It is worth noting that, at the conclusion of the ceremonies held to commemorate the 107th anniversary of Afghanistan’s independence, Deputy PM Mullah Baradar Akhund also laid a wreath at the Independence Monument.