The acting head of the National Directorate of Security, Massoud Andarabi, on Monday said that Taliban and other insurgent groups have not achieved their goals, despite the support of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agency.
“ISI widely continues its support for Taliban and will continue supporting them with attacks this summer and spring in Afghanistan,” Andarabi said.
“Some other regional groups are colluding with Taliban and are trying to continue their attacks in Afghanistan,” Andarabi added.
His statements came during a Wolesi Jirga (Lower House of Parliament) session on Monday after MPs summoned the acting Interior Minister, acting Defense Minister, acting NDS chief and the Army Chief of Staff to the house to answer questions regarding the security situation in the country.
Rejecting allegations that some districts have been handed to the Taliban, Army Chief of Staff Gen. Qadam Sha Shahim said: “These are just claims that there is an agreement that a number of districts were handed to Taliban. But we have strong commitment to suppress them.”
Meanwhile, during the session, insurgents targeted the new parliament building by firing off four rockets. Two hit the building and the other two fell in the grounds. However, this did not deter MPs, who continued their session.
“Four missiles were launched and two of them hit the national council building and two others close to the building,” said Abdul Ghafar Ghorzang, the acting head of the National Council Security Directorate.
But the attacks raised concerns among the MPs.
“There was a report in advance that such an attack will take place, but it was not stopped, why? Those PD officials neglected to prevent this incident,” said Qadir Zazai, a parliament member.
Meanwhile, Taj Mohammad Jahid, the acting minister of interior, said an investigation would be carried out and if security officials were found to have been negligent they will be punished.
“I assure you that we have good plans for ensuring security this current year but it is important that I get a vote of confidence from parliament so as to implement the plans,” Jahid said.
But the remarks by the high-ranking security officials did not appear to appease MPs.
“This is not acceptable for the people. Interior security commission, Defense and the Central Audit are responsible to investigate the attack on the national council and also on the Pakistani military’s advance inside Afghanistan’s border areas. If any security official neglected to do his duty he must be introduced to the judicial institutions,” said Abdul Zahir Qadir, first deputy speaker of the house. www.tolonews.com/en/afghanistan/24457-isi-continues-to-support-taliban-nds-chief
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