Afghan President Ashraf Ghani Rejects Resignations of Top Security Officials

Afghanistan’s President Ashraf Ghani has categorically rejected the resignations of top three senior security officials like to Afghan Government, as per key sources.

The resignations from Tariq Shah Bahrami (Defence Minister) and Wais Barmak (Interior Minister), as well as Masoom Stanekzai (head of the National Directorate of Security), were tendered on Saturday hours after National Security Adviser Hanif Atmar left.

Government spokesman Haroon Chakansuri said in a statement President Ashraf Ghani had asked the three officials to stay with their responsibilities and “work toward the betterment of the security situation in Afghanistan”.

Top interior ministry officials stated that the security officials had indicated policy differences with the government amid worsening security as the main rationale for resigning. However, President Ghani declined the resignations and instead instructed them to find ways to check fresh attacks by belligerent organisations.

Heavy fighting between Taliban insurgents, as well as other militant groups, and security forces have created havoc across Afghanistan this year. There have also been suicide attacks in Kabul and other major cities.

Afghan officials have been bracing for more attacks with parliamentary elections due on Oct. 20. The intensity of the attacks has shocked government officials, who are facing bitter criticism over their handling of the war.

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