“Imposing one identity on others would have negative consequences”

KABUL (SW): Mohammad Mohaqeq, first deputy to the Chief Executive Officer of the National Unity Government, on Sunday stressed every ethnic group in the country should be officially recognized.

Addressing a gathering marking the anniversary of the withdrawal Soviet forces from Afghanistan, he said imposing one identity on others would have negative consequences, and would lead to situation going out of government’s control. He urged the Arg (Presidential Palace) not to test people’s patience.

The deputy CEO said people should be proud of their identities as Pashtunes, Tajiks, Uzbeks and Hazaras of Afghanistan. He added the Constitution of Afghanistan recognizes 14 ethnic groups in Afghanistan as equal to each other.

In the meantime, Abdullah Abdullah, CEO of the NUG, said during the cabinet session today that the public is concerned over the prevailing situation in the country, and continuation of it can further deteriorate affairs. Also on Sunday, a number of tribal chiefs and supporters of unseated governor of Balkh province, Atta Mohammad Noor, also noted that imposing one ethnicity on others is illegal.

Hussain Madani, head of Solidary for Change organization, has also expressed similar views.

It is worth noticing that after the endorsement of the joint commission of the parliament to the Presidential Decree on change in the Population Census Law directing to incorporate the term ‘Afghan’ on the face of the proposed biometric cards, opposition to the move has erupted.

On Friday, the drive to roll-out the new biometric identity cards commenced at the Arg, but the CEO has publically called for halting the process.

ENDS