PUL-I-KHUMRI (Pajhwok): The new governor for northern Baghlan province assumed office on Tuesday when provincial council members criticised the government for failing to consult them on the appointment.
Abdul Sattar Barez, before embarking on his new assignment, worked as Faryab’s deputy governor for more than one decade. He replacesSultan Mohammad Ibadi as Baghlan governor.
Addressing his inaugural ceremony, Barez pledged to serve all Afghans to the best of his ability. The word Afghan applied to all people of the country whom he would serve without any discrimination.
“Governorship is a heavy responsibility the government has entrusted me with. I am responsible for defending every inch of Baghlan territory,” he remarked, saying he would not let militants disrupt security.
On the other hand, Provincial Council Chairman Mohammad Safdar Mohseni complained the government had taken public representatives into confidence while appointing the new governor.
Barez is the 12th governor for Baghlan over the past 13 years. During the period, remarkable development schemes have been carried out in the province, wherea lot of uplift potential exists.
Baghlan was one of industrial and agricultural provinces,with capacity for providing jobs, but most of its youth were leaving the country due to joblessness, he regretted, wishing the new governor success in his efforts for economic development of villages.
The provincial council would cooperate with Barez in his activities, he promised, asking the incoming governor to consult religious scholars, tribal elders and public representatives on the decision-making process.
Barez assured the people he would seek advicefrom elders and religious scholars on dealing with the present challenges. “I can’t work alone, so I want the people to support me.”
Given the delicate situation in the province as the enemies of the country have been trying to divide Afghans, the governor should take measures to unite tribes, focus on good governance and development, said tribal elderMohammad Aslam.
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