Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund: To safeguard independence, we must pursue modern education and technology

The Deputy PM for Economic Affairs, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund, attended a ceremony today, August 19, 2025, at the Ministry of National Defense marking the 106th anniversary of Afghanistan’s independence.

Speaking at the event, the Deputy PM stated that the independence achieved on August 19, 1919, was not gained easily but through great sacrifices and hardships. Unfortunately, Afghans were unable to preserve that independence due to internal wars, divisions, and conspiracies. As a result, resources were continuously lost, internal disunity spread, and the country fell under the domination of other colonial powers. Yet, as in the past, Afghans never allowed any colonial power to rest peacefully on this soil. On August 15, which coincides with the defeat of Western occupation, Afghans once again showed the entire world that they do not accept foreign domination over their land, and after twenty years of relentless struggle, regained their independence with full courage and bravery.

He added that the fundamental objective of commemorating Independence Day should not only be the remembrance of sacrifices and bravery of that era, but also to safeguard the independence achieved and prevent the recurrence of any form of political, economic, or military colonization.

Deputy PM Mullah Baradar Akhund said: “We have achieved revolutions at a very high price, one major reason being the lack of equality in material means. To preserve this revolution, we must not once again pay heavy sacrifices; instead, we must embrace modern education in line with the demands of the era, master technology and modern equipment, and respond to the enemy’s nail with a fist, and to the bullet with a missile. All Afghans must unite for the protection of our great religious and national values, eliminate divisions created under various labels, and not allow this sacred system to fall victim to disunity and narrow-mindedness.”

The Deputy PM further said that with the regaining of independence from Western occupation, the Afghan nation once again became the owner of its dignity and sovereignty. “Thanks be to Allah, today our nation is neither enslaved, nor is our political and economic destiny determined by others, nor are our wealth and honor violated, nor do we make decisions at the command of others,” he stated.

On the occasion of the 106th anniversary of the country’s independence from British colonial rule, the Deputy PM called on all Afghans abroad to return to their homeland, stand beside their system and nation, and refrain from baseless destruction incited by others. “The Islamic Emirate is your own system; you are most welcome,” he emphasized.

He also called on all countries not to harbor ill intentions toward Afghanistan, affirming that the Islamic Emirate monitors everything and has calculations regarding it. He added: “We call on you to learn lessons from the history of Afghanistan. This nation cannot be enslaved. Instead of interference and confrontation, open the way for comprehensive political and economic engagement with us within the framework of principles. This is the foundation for security and economic cooperation for countries in the region and the world.”

In conclusion, the Deputy PM congratulated all citizens on the proud day of August 19, and prayed for the souls of all martyrs and heroes who sacrificed for the country’s freedom.

It is worth mentioning that at the end of the ceremony marking the 106th anniversary of Afghanistan’s independence, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund laid a wreath of flowers at the Freedom Monument.