LASHKARGAH (Pajhwok): The new governor on Thursday said his top priorities would be improvement in the security situation, fighting corruption and maintaining peace in southern Helmand province.
Mirza Khan Rahimi was introduced as the new governor for Helmand by the Independent Directorate of Local Governance (IDLG)’s municipality affairs director Abdul Baqi Popal at a press conference here.
Popal said Rahimi had served on various positions in the government and had enough experience to work for improvement of the security situation and other affairs in Helmand.
A Wolesi Jirga member from Helmand Nasima Niazi said some former governors of Helmand had been appointed against personal relationships and nepotism, further deteriorating the security situation. She said the government should appoint top government officials on merit.
Helmand provincial council head Mohammad Karim Attal said the new governor should bring to justice corrupt officials and create job opportunities for the youth.
He said the governor should focus on stability, health services, education and reconstruction programmes.
Governor Rahimi, while speaking at the conference, said improving security, combating corruption and bringing peace would be his priorities.
“There is no forced end to the war but we have to focus on ensuring peace. We will identify reasons behind violence and will try to find solutions,” he added.
Rahimi added he would strengthen cooperation among security forces and discuss with tribal elders and influential individuals how to better implement his programmes.
“Those parties who don’t want peace and continue fighting, the government would take action against and defeat them,” he added.
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