Afghanistan needs strong, modern and independent army, says defence chief

Afghanistan needs a strong, professionally trained and well-equipped army to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity, the country’s Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, Fasihuddin Fitrat, has said.

Fitrat said the armed forces were prepared to defend Afghanistan against internal and external threats, stressing that military strength was essential to preserving the country’s independence.

He said Afghanistan’s independence had been achieved through years of struggle and sacrifice by the Mujahideen, adding that maintaining it required a modern military equipped with advanced weapons and properly trained personnel.

According to Fitrat, strengthening the military was not about threatening neighbouring countries or pursuing territorial expansion, but about protecting Afghanistan from aggression, pressure and foreign interference.

He said a capable armed force would also help the Islamic Emirate maintain security and provide an environment in which Afghans could live in peace.

Military independence a priority

Fitrat emphasised the need to build an independent and professional military, criticising the former Afghan National Defence and Security Forces for their reliance on foreign support.

He argued that the previous military lacked the ability to operate independently and blamed former government officials for its collapse following the withdrawal of international forces.

He said military and economic independence remained central priorities for the Islamic Emirate, adding that while Afghanistan wanted friendly relations with other countries, it would not accept foreign control over its economy or natural resources.

Fitrat criticises Pakistan’s border restrictions

Turning to tensions with Pakistan, Fitrat criticised Islamabad over restrictions at border crossings, accusing it of closing routes during Afghanistan’s export season while reopening them when imports were required.

He said the Islamic Emirate had responded to the restrictions and insisted that Afghanistan would not remain dependent on other countries for its defence requirements.

Fitrat also claimed that Afghanistan had experienced five years of peace and security and made progress in several sectors, alleging that some countries were unwilling to accept these developments.

Warning to armed opposition groups

Fitrat issued a warning to armed opposition groups, urging individuals he accused of operating under foreign direction to return to Afghanistan and surrender to the judicial authorities.

He said those who returned could live in the country with dignity but warned that anyone continuing armed activities would face the country’s security forces.

He stressed that no individual or group would be allowed to threaten public safety or disrupt the lives of ordinary Afghans.

Denies opposition presence in Badakhshan

Addressing reports of opposition fighters operating in Badakhshan, Fitrat dismissed claims and footage allegedly showing fighters in the province’s mountainous areas.

He claimed that some footage circulating as evidence of opposition activity in Badakhshan had actually been filmed in Pakistan’s Chitral region.

Fitrat insisted that no opposition fighters were present in the mountains of Badakhshan, adding that Afghanistan’s security and intelligence forces were active throughout the country.

He also dismissed opposition groups as largely symbolic organisations, claiming their members were based in Pakistan and operating under foreign influence.

Fitrat concluded by assuring the public that the armed forces would continue working to prevent security threats and protect the country’s population.