On Eid, Afghans Grateful for Peace But Face Economic Hardship

Afghans across the country, including Kabul, celebrated the first day of Eid-al Fitr in a bit more secure environment than in recent times.

The Office of the PM’s Chief of Staff said Eid prayers were held among senior members of the Islamic Emirate.

According to the office, the words of PM Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund were read aloud, saying security is ensured across the country and “enemy” plots have been thwarted.

“I hope God will help us all, especially the officials of the government, to perform their responsibility in the right way. The (position) of ministry is a responsibility. Every minister is a servant, every official is a servant. We should consider ourselves a servant not an emir (ruler),” said Abdul Hakim Haqqani, head of the supreme court.

Afghans across the country, including Kabul, celebrated the first day of Eid-al Fitr in a bit more secure environment than in recent times.

Some Afghan figures in their messages on the arrival of Eid urged the caretaker government to provide girls and women access to education and work.

“Nationwide security, peace and calmness in Afghanistan and Halal food are our wishes,” said Ali Juma, a resident of Kabul.

“We performed the Eid prayer. We didn’t have the capacity to make other preparations for Eid so we continued our work,” said a resident of Kabul.

Former President Hamid Karzai called on the interim government to reopen schools and universities for girls and women.

He also stressed the need for intra-Afghan negotiations for peace and stability in the country.

The Afghans usually celebrate Eid by visiting relatives and hosting guests and holding parties inside and outside of their homes.

However, some residents of Kabul said that the number of women in public areas and parks have dropped since previous years.

“Our request to the Islamic Emirate is to increase such places so that the people can celebrate Eid and other days in a calm environment,” said Abdul Khaliq, a resident of Kabul.

Former HCNR chairman Abdullah Abdullah in a message on Eid al-Fitr voiced concerns about the economic situation of Afghanistan and called on the international community to continue its support.

Abdullah said on Twitter the current challenges in Afghanistan require addressing social justice, respecting basic rights, and the rights of education for girls and women.

Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkey and some other countries celebrated Eid on Friday while some other countries including Iran and Pakistan announced Saturday as the first day first of Eid al-Fitr.

On Eid, Afghans Grateful for Peace But Face Economic Hardship