In a gathering held by Shia Ulema, Second Deputy Prime Minister Abdul Salam Hanafi of Afghanistan's Islamic Emirate announced the establishment of a policy of neutrality within the country.

Addressing attendees in Kabul's Dasht-e-Barchi area, Hanafi called for positive interactions with the international community and mutual respect with all neighboring and regional countries.

"We interact with them and expect the same interaction and relations with all neighbors and countries in the region and beyond the region," Hanafi emphasized, highlighting the importance of reciprocity in international friendships.

Hanafi dismissed claims that the Islamic Emirate was responsible for attacks on educational institutions, madrasas, and public areas over the past two decades. He stated, "None of the attacks on educational institutions, madrasas, and public areas during the last 20 years were carried out by the Islamic Emirate."

Furthermore, Hanafi stressed the significance of preserving national unity among Afghanistan's diverse ethnic groups. He remarked, "If there are differences and problems among Afghans, the ground will be open to occupation," underscoring the potential vulnerabilities that internal conflicts could expose.

Deputy Director General of Intelligence, Najib Mujahid, echoed this sentiment, cautioning against division among Afghan communities that could pave the way for foreign interference.

On the local security front, Governor of Kabul, Qasim Khalid, delivered positive news, stating that no kidnapping incidents had occurred in the city over the past five months. "Abduction has been reduced to zero in the past five months, we do not have any abduction cases at all," Khalid assured the gathering.

Addressing the concerns of Shiite clerics, who had gathered at the event, Hanafi reiterated that the Islamic Emirate would not allow any group to sow discord within the nation. He emphasized that the Emirate recognized no difference between Sunni and Shia residents and affirmed that both sects were equal in the eyes of the government.

Shiite cleric Abdul Qadir Alami requested recognition for the Jafari sect within the nation, arguing that since both Shia sides adhered to the Jafari sect, it would be a unifying step.

In summary, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan's Second Deputy Prime Minister Abdul Salam Hanafi announced a policy of neutrality, urged international interactions based on mutual respect, dispelled allegations of attacks on educational institutions, and underscored the importance of national unity. The government also assured the reduction of kidnapping incidents in Kabul and reiterated its commitment to the well-being of both Sunni and Shia residents. (ILKHA)