Afghan President Hamid Karzai has remarked that Pakistan should “stop playing a destructive role in Afghanistan”, referring to the alleged continued cross-border shelling in eastern Afghanistan.
The remarks by Karzai come as Afghan National Security Council (NSC) accused Pakistani intelligence for arming and funding militiamen in an attempt to destabilise Afghanistan.
Karzai was speaking at a ceremony to commemorate Afghanistan’s 95th Independence Day. Besides a large number of government officials, both presidential candidates Dr Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai and Dr Abdullah Abdullah were present.
“The Afghans have sacrificed for many years but have maintained their independence,” Karzai said at the celebration.
“Afghanistan’s independence is a result of solidarity and unity achieved by the people of this country.”
Karzai also called for early announcement of the result of the presidential runoff held on June 14.
“I am hopeful that the election results will come out soon and both presidential candidates will accept the results,” President Karzai said.
The first round of Afghan presidential election was held on April 5, and the controversial runoff was held on June 14. The runoff result is yet to be announced as both candidates have demanded auditing more than eight million votes, which may take several more days.
President Karzai laid a wreath at the Independence Minatare to pay tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for the country’s freedom.
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