KABUL - Eight ministers of the national unity government, who won votes of confidence from Wolesi Jirga, formally began work on Monday.
President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani administered oath to the eight ministers and the spymaster on Sunday during a ceremony at the Presidential Palace.
On Wednesday, the lower house approved Ghani's picks for the nine key slots, including the National Directorate of Security (NDS) head.
Minister of Interior
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Abdullah Abdullah introduced Minister of Interior Noor-ul-Haq Ulumi to employees of ministry at a ceremony.
The CEO hoped Ulumi would be able to improve the security situation in the country. He assured the minister of full support.
Ulumi said he would preserve the achievements of the last 13 years. Steps would be taken to build police into a professional force and curb corruption within the ministry.
He promised strengthening coordination between security and judicial institutions and controlling incidents of violence that mainly claimed the lives of police officials.
He said strict measure would be taken to stop drug trafficking and its production. According to Ulumi country-wide law and order situation would be improved in order to attract foreign direct investment.
He said the financial affairs of the ministry would be made more transparent, adding that relations of police and masses would be improved during his tenure.
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Abdullah Abdullah introduced Salahuddin Rabbani to the employees of the ministry at a ceremony.
For his part, the minister promised a proactive foreign policy would be framed based on discussions with intellectuals, members of parliament, political parties and technocrats.
He would be trying to place a balanced foreign policy, supported by the people of Afghanistan, before public representatives for approval.
Rabbani vowed to serve all Afghans, not a specific group, and that he would never compromise the national interest or religious values during his tenure as foreign minister.
Abdullah said introduction of the cabinet showed the unity government was sincere in trying to achieve its targets. They would fully support the newly-appointed ministers in running their affairs, he pledged.
The CEO praised Wolesi Jirga members for giving trust votes to eight cabinet picks and the spymaster. He said the remaining cabinet members would be introduced to the lower house in coming weeks.
Minister of Rural Rehabilitation
Naseer Ahmad Durrani was introduced by Deputy CEO Haji Mohammad Mohaqiq to ministry workers. Mohaqiq said despite significant development in recent years, people of rural areas still faced problems.
He said Durrani was a qualified and experienced man who would strive for the development of rural areas.
Durrani vowed: “I will implement all promises made during the oath-taking ceremony.” He would bring drastic reforms to the ministry and work for the betterment of rural areas through the development of the handicraft industry.
He said MRRD contracts would be awarded to the companies that enjoyed good reputation and had the capability of completing the project.
Minister of Mines and Petroleum
Daud Shah Saba was introduced to ministry employees by President’s Special Envoy for Reforms and Good Governance Ahmad Zia Masood. He said natural wealth was the main source of economic prosperity.
He hoped the minister would develop the mining sector to make it a source of income for the country.
Saba said he would strive hard to attract foreign investment for exploitation and development of the vital sector. “The creation of an advisory council on petroleum and mineral products would be my first step,” he said.
Minister of Refugees
Syed Hussain Alami Balkhi was introduced to ministry staff by Deputy CEO Eng. Mohammad Khan, who underlined the need for addressing refugees’ problems in foreign countries.
Balkhi said his first priority would be paving the ground for the repatriation of refugees from foreign countries. The repatriation of refugees was not simple, he noted, seeking cooperation from the international community.
Minister of Public Health
Dr. Firozuddin Firoz was introduced to ministry employees by 2nd Vice President Mohammad Sarwar Danish. Danish asked the minister to ensure all citizens had access to free medical services.
Firozuddin said he would implement his promises and under his leadership health services would be expanded and government hospitals improved.
The minister, who would ensure health facilities in the country, would pursue a determined campaign against expired and low-quality drugs.
Finance Minister
Eklil Ahmad Hakimi was introduced to ministry staff by First Vice President Abdul Rashid Dostam. Dostam asked the minister to focus on eradicating corruption.
He said the government was investigating the Kabul Bank scandal and the accused would be brought to justice soon.
Hakimi said he would implement laws and the custom departments would be reformed. No one would be allowed to use their powers for personal benefits.
Minister of Hajj and Religious Affairs
Faiz Mohammad Usmani was introduced by Second Vice President Mohammad Sarwar Danish to ministry staff. They started working at a time when several portfolios are still run by acting ministers.
Rahmatullah Nabil, the National Directorate of Security (NDS) head, was introduced to his office staff by First Vice President Gen. Abdul Rashid Dostam and National Security Advisor Hanif Atmar.
NDS said Nabil’s appointment letter was read out by Faridoon Elham, the director of public relations. Previously, Nabil has been acting head of the intelligence service. (Pajhwok)