Speech of Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund on the Occasion of the 106th Anniversary of Afghanistan’s Independence

In the name of Allah, the most merciful, the most compassionate.

Respected Deputy PM for Administrative Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, respected Cabinet Ministers, esteemed elders, representatives of the media, distinguished guests, and all honorable attendees:

Assalamu alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh!
 

Honored compatriots,

Today marks that glorious historical day of Afghan pride and grandeur, when 106 years ago we broke the fangs of British colonialism and demonstrated to the world that Afghans are the guardians of their dignity, honor, and prestige; that independence is among their highest values, and that they will never accept a life of captivity and subjugation.

First and foremost, I sincerely congratulate all the proud people of Afghanistan—who cherish their soil and independence—on this unforgettable day, and I pray for the souls of all the true Mujahideen and heroes who sacrificed their lives for the restoration of independence. May Allah Almighty grant them Paradise.

The independence gained on August 19 was not achieved easily. At that time, the means of fighting against British colonialism were limited, and conspiracies of the infidels against Afghans were many. Yet, the religious and spiritual zeal of Afghan Mujahideen, along with their great sacrifices on this sacred path, led to the defeat of one of the greatest colonial powers of the era, and with full courage and valor, the independence of Afghanistan was proclaimed.

Unfortunately, due to internal conflicts, divisions, and conspiracies among Afghans, we could not safeguard that independence; gradually, we lost our means and were internally fragmented, leading our country to fall under the domination of other colonial powers. However, just as in the past, Afghans never allowed any colonial power to rest in peace on this soil; we once again regained our independence. On August 15, coinciding with the defeat of Western occupation, we again showed the world that Afghans will not accept foreign domination over their land. After a relentless twenty-year struggle, we reclaimed independence with courage and determination.

Respected compatriots,

The commemoration of Independence Day should not merely serve as a remembrance of the sacrifices and valor of that time, but rather our main objective should be to preserve the independence we have gained and to prevent, in the fullest sense, any repetition of political, economic, or military colonialism.

We have achieved revolutions at a very heavy price. Among the main causes has been the inequality in material means. To preserve this hard-won revolution, we must not have to pay again with heavy sacrifices, but instead, we should pursue modern education in line with the demands of the age, master technology and modern tools, respond to the enemy’s nail with a fist, and to a bullet with a missile. All Afghans must unite to protect great religious and national values, eliminate divisions created under various names, and not allow, God forbid, this sacred system to fall prey to discord and narrow-mindedness.

Dear countrymen,

With the re-establishment of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, now all better understand the value of independence, as the land and nation have been liberated from a twenty-year occupation by another arrogant Western power, and once again, the honorable Afghans have been blessed with freedom and a life of dignity.

Today, our nation is no longer captive, our political and economic destiny is no longer determined by others, our wealth and honor are no longer subjected to violation, and we no longer make decisions at the signal of outsiders. Praise be to Allah, by the blessing of independence, all these great and fundamental values are safeguarded.

From here, I once again call upon Afghans living abroad to return to their homeland, stand alongside your system and nation, and refrain from needless destruction at the instigation of others. By now, it should be clear to you that despite access to many facilities in foreign countries, there is no true sense of belonging or tranquility. We again tell you: the Islamic Emirate is your own system, you are most welcome.

And to all those countries in the world who harbor ill intentions towards this land, I also say: we are vigilant of everything and we have our own strategic calculations. We call upon you to learn from the history of Afghanistan—this nation has never been 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 very foundation for security and economic cooperation for the countries of the region and the world.

Finally, once again, I congratulate all our honorable compatriots on this proud day of August 19. I pray for the souls of all the martyrs and heroes who sacrificed their lives in the path of freedom, and I ask Almighty Allah to grant them Jannat al-Firdaws.

Wassalamu alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh.