New Secretary Appointed for HPC as It Runs out of Budget

Afghanistan’s High Peace Council is running out of budget as President Ashraf Ghani has decided to hold a meeting to discuss the structure and performance of the Council.

Officials in the Council confirm financial problems due to the lack of funds, but rejected reports about disbandment of the organization.

Foreign Relations Adviser Mohammad Ismail Qasimyar said the call for peace is in the top agenda of the National Unity Government and it gives us legitimacy against the anti-government elements.

He added that a meeting will be held in the upcoming weeks to identify the strategy and a roadmap for the Council.

Following these comments, Mohammad Akram Ekhplwak the President’s special envoy on political affairs appointed as the head of High Peace Council secretariat.

Shah Hussain Murtazawi, the acting spokesman of the President announced the news on Sunday during a press briefing, adding Ekhplwak retains his role as the President’s envoy.

Murtazawi noted that the appointment of Mr. Khpalwak will be more effective in High Peace Council activities.

He rejected reports about lack of financial resources and said that the strategy of the Council has been finalized.

“The new strategy has been finalized and the prisoners of the Hezb-e Islami Party will be released next week. All articles of the agreement will be implemented by the government up to the next 15 days and we are looking forward for Hekmatyar’s coming,” Murtazawi added.

High Peace Council was established in 2010 to negotiate with elements of the Taliban, but it has repeatedly been criticized for inability and huge expanses.

By Yousuf Yasa & Hesamuddin Hesam