KABUL (Pajhwok): The Islamic Party, led by Azizullah Din Mohammad, on Monday pledged support to front-line presidential runner Dr. Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai.
President Hamid Karzai’s campaign manager in the previous election, Din Mohammad hailed Ahmadzai as a competent leader who could steer the country out of problems.
Addressing a public gathering in Kabul, he asked the candidate to work for strengthening peace, introducing the Islamic system protecting Afghanistan’s territorial integrity.
While stressing an inclusive and transparent election on April 5, he urged the participants to launch a door-to-door campaign for Ahmadzai. He also urged the inclusion of religious scholars in government.
Ahmadzai welcomed the support pledge from Din Mohammad and ex-jihadi commanders from the party, which had been under the leadership of Maulvi Mohammad Younus Khalis.
He promised respect for Islamic values and national sovereignty, saying he would all he could to restore peace, combat corruption, resolve refugees’ problems and give women their due rights.
“In deep love with my nation, I’m ready to render any sacrifice for the sake of peace. My hands are clean and want to introduce the Baitul Mal system,” declared the ex-finance minister.
Negotiations would be held with the fighters in mosques, which would echo with a peace message, he said. He plans to build a modern seminary in each province.
Ahmadzai praised President Karzai for paving the ground for elections in consonance with the constitution. The public mandate, the election outcome, should be acceptable to all, he stressed.
