KABUL (SW) – The Wolesi Jirga (lower house) on Monday summoned National Security Adviser Hamdullah Mohib, interior minister Massod Andarabi and head of the NDS Zia Siraj to address concerns of the parliamentarians.
Andarabi and Siraj appeared before the house, however, Mohib skipped the call.
At the meeting, a majority of members of the house opposed the ‘militia-building’ and arms distribution program in the provinces, saying that the government was trying to equip some people under the name of the ‘Security Pact’ program.
According to them, thousands of arms have been distributed in a number of provinces, and some are taking advantage of the program.
Abbas Ebrahimzada, a member of the house, said all those who have been armed are criminals and no one with dignity have joined this program.
Semin Barakzai, another member of the parliament, who opposed the distribution of weapons in some provinces, said there was no need to develop a parallel armed force in the presence of defense and interior ministries. “Why is this fund not spent on further strengthening the security and defense forces”, she questioned.
Members of the house emphasized that, based on their information, the majority of those who have taken up arms under the name of the ‘Security Pact’ program have legal cases against them.
However, the security officials told the WJ these allegations are baseless.
Acting Interior Minister Andarabi said: “The Security Pact does not employ anyone and does not distribute weapons to anyone." Zia Siraj, head of the NDS, said this program is aimed at streamlining the security forces in a specific framework.
MPs also raised their concerns regarding threats about the likely fall of a number of districts to the Taliban insurgents. They warned if the government, especially the security agencies, does not pay attention, a number of provinces would fall.
ENDS
