The government has fired at least two officials, including a Senator, for having come out in support of a traditional Loya Jirga. 

Senator Sher Mohammad Akhundzada and Ahmadullah Alizai, an advisor to local governance affairs, were recently dismissed from their jobs for having supported a move to hold a Loya Jirga. 

Justifying the move, government said the termination and appointment of staff in institutions were among the authorities of the president. 

But, Akhundzada has slammed the move and said his dismissal is in contravention of the laws of Afghanistan. He accused President Ashraf Ghani of acting illegally. 

He vowed to continue to participate in sessions of the Upper House of Parliament, despite having been dismissed.  

Meanwhile, in a separate event in Kabul, members of Afghanistan Governors Union expressed deep concerns over the current situation in the country, suggesting that a Loya Jirga can be of help to overcome the crisis.  

“Our recommendation is that a traditional Loya Jirga can be the best option instead of using words or thinking of other options,” said the union’s chief Abdul Jabbar Taqwa. 

This comes after calls for a Loya Jirga increased over the past few weeks among politicians. 

“I will go to the Senate, because I am a member of the Senate; my dismissal is unacceptable and it is unlawful,” said Akhundzada. 

Meanwhile, Alizai said he was fired because of his support of a Loya Jirga and for having criticized government.

“The Constitution has given us the right to raise our voice for justice, I have not done anything illegal; the president has fired me against the law,” he said.

This comes a few weeks after the Afghan government warned civil servants against taking part in consultative Jirgas. 

“Based on Article 110 of the Constitution, Loya Jirga reflects the decision of the people, the Constitution has defined the holding of a Jirga,” said deputy presidential spokesman Dawa Khan Menapal. 

“The president should have a big heart, he should accept criticism,” said MP Farishta Amini.

Government however insists it has started efforts to convene a constitutional Loya Jirga. But critics argue that holding a constitutional Loya Jirga amid the current crisis would not be appropriate and instead government should call for a traditional Loya Jirga.