Afghan president wishes citizens on I-Day

Kabul, Aug 18: Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on Thursday (Aug 18) wished his countrymen on the country's 97th Independence day.

"A very happy Independence Day to my fellow Afghans. Let's all work for peace/prosperity to pay homage to the sacrifices of our forefathers," President Ghani tweeted.

Ghani also said that the country's main enemy was economic but that the issue could be overcome if the people unite, Tolo News reported.

Prior to addressing guests at the Presidential Palace, Ghani placed a floral wreath at the Menar-i-Istiqlal (Independence Minaret) in Kabul.

High-ranking government officials, including Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Abdullah Abdullah, National Security Advisor Mohammad Hanif Atmar, cabinet members, parliamentarians, military officers and foreign diplomats attended the wreath-laying ceremony.

The walls of the Menar-i-Isteqlal were covered with pictures of Ghazi Amanullah Khan, King Zahir Shah, Ahmad Shah Abdali, Mirwais Nekah and other heroes who brought independence to Afghanistan.

Afghanistan, which was not part of the British Empire, celebrates the day to commemorate the 1919 Treaty of Rawalpindi, which granted it independence, Tolo News reported.

Ghani also made it clear that having gained independence 97 years ago, the country will never hand over its foreign policy.

IANS