President Ashraf Ghani on Friday promised a thoroughgoing investigation into the five-day siege of the capital of southern Ghazni province by Taliban.
The president arrived in the city a week after the insurgents assaulted it from different directions and captured parts it. At least 150 soldiers and 95 civilians lost their lives during the siege.
During a meeting on the security situation here, the president also announced an amount of $20 million would be set aside for the reconstruction of the city.
Addressing the Taliban, the president said: “Wherever you want, I’m ready to sit with you for peace negotiations – in Makkah, Madina, Kabul or elsewhere.” His administration’s doors for peace dialogue remained open, he reiterated.
While stressing better coordination among the security organs, Ghani instructed the National Directorate of Security to look into the “depth of the conspiracy” in Ghazni and pinpoint weaknesses.
At the time of the attack, up to 6,000 security personnel were stationed in the strategically important city, he said, adding they were probing the real causes of the fighting.
With regard to the killing of Pakistanis fighting alongside the Taliban in Ghazni City, he told the neighbouring country’s new Prime Minister Imran Khan: “You have received coffins. You being a Pakhtun should probe the matter and give me a reply.”
Chief of Staff Gen. Mohammad Sharif Yaftali, Interior Minister Wais Ahmad Barmak, 203rd Thunder Corps Commander Gen. Dadan Lawang, the provincial police head and other officials were in attendance.
Gen. Yaftali briefed the president on the security environment and an ongoing clearing operation in the city. He said the offensive was being managed carefully. Now that the city had returned to normal, security rings are being set up in different areas.
After the briefing, Ghani offered prayers for the security personnel martyred in the fighting. Those showing valour would be given awards, he promised.
On his arrival, the president said: “I am here to help all those who have suffered losses. I am committed to rebuilding the city and doing everything to protect it.” “Our soldiers have fought bravely and we remain committed to bringing peace.”
At a separate meeting, Governor Wahidullah Kalimzai told the president about the situation of civic amenities. The supply of water and electricity and telecommunication services had been restored.
The president, offered prayers for the martyred civilian and government forces, announced $20 million would be allocated for the reconstruction of the city. He also assured the victims’ families of compensation.
