Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund, the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, inaugurated the first phase's completion of the Qosh Tepa Canal and the commencement of construction for the second phase on October 11.
In addition to the Deputy PM for Economic Affairs, the Deputy PM for Administrative Affairs, Maulvi Abdul Salam Hanafi, the Minister of Interior, Sirajuddin Haqqani, the Minister of National Defense, Maulvi Mohammad Yaqub Mujahid, the Chief of Intelligence, Mullah Abdul Haq Wasiq, the Minister of Mines and Petroleum, Sheikh Shahabuddin Dilawar, the Minister of Finance, Mullah Mohammad Nasir Akhund, the Minister of Economy, Qari Din Mohammad Hanif, the Minister of Water and Energy, Mullah Abdul Latif Mansour, the Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock, Maulvi Ataullah Omari, the Minister of Higher Education, Sheikh Nida Mohammad Nadeem, the Minister of Industry and Commerce, Alhaj Nooruddin Azizi, the Minister of Transport, Mullah Hameedullah Akhundzada, the Political Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alhaj Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanakzai, the Chief of Administrative Affairs Office, Sheikh Noorul Haq Anwar, the First Deputy Governor of Da Afghanistan Bank, Noor Ahmad Agha, the Chief of the PM Office, Dr. Mullah Abdul Wasi, the Governor of Balkh, Alhaj Mohammad Yusuf Wafa, the Chairman of the National Development Corporation, Abdul Rahman Attash and many other government officials and civil leaders participated in the ceremony.
During his address at the ceremony, Mullah Baradar Akhund expressed, "The Qosh Tepa Canal embodies the decades-long aspirations of the Afghan people, reflecting their tireless efforts and dedication to self-determination. Afghanistan relies on imports in many aspects, including food, despite being an agricultural nation with ample water resources. The Islamic Emirate is steadfast in its commitment to water management and agricultural development, of which the construction of this canal stands as a prominent example."
He went on to mention his initial concerns about the budget and timely completion of the canal's construction, but assured that Amirul Momineen Sheikh Hibatullah Akhundzada provided the necessary financial. Mullah Baradar Akhund commended the sincere and dedicated efforts of the National Development Corporation employees, which, combined with their collaboration, led to the successful completion of the first phase.
The Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs emphasized that the canal's construction aims not to harm anyone, but to benefit Afghanistan's development and self-sufficiency, utilizing the nation's natural resources for the greater good. He proudly noted that after 40 years of hardships, Afghans themselves have designed such a significant project, with all expenses financed from the national budget.
In conclusion, Mullah Baradar Akhund congratulated the entire Afghan populace, especially the Director of the National Development Corporation, Abdul Rahman Attash, and his team, for their dedicated work in completing the first phase of the canal. This canal stands as a source of pride and honor for all Afghans, and he affirmed the commitment to its continued progress under all circumstances.
