Ahmad Wali Massoud, chairman of the Massoud Foundation, on Wednesday slammed President Ashraf Ghani for calling the late Afghan King Amanullah Khan a national hero.

Massoud said the remark was irresponsible and against the law.

He said that by calling King Amanullah a national hero, Ghani was in some way creating distrust among the people of Afghanistan.

Massoud called on Ghani to withdraw his statement.

Addressing participants at a ceremony during the inauguration of Turkmenistan-Afghanistan railway link on Monday, Ghani called King Amanullah a national hero.

“Today I feel very proud that one of the aspirations of our national hero Amanullah Khan is becoming a reality,” said Ghani.

But, Massoud argues that the title of national hero was awarded only to Ahmad Shah Massoud.

“When you bestow the title of national hero on someone else, while he is also a respected person, you offend some people – those who have a major affiliation to the national hero,” said Massoud.

He said that Ghani has no interest in Ahmad Shah Massoud.

“I can say that Mr. Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai has not much interest in the personality of Shahee Massoud, the national hero. But this does not mean that he can spread dust on the space and create distrust among the people of Afghanistan,” Massoud added.

He said that there is a need for a presidential order, a decision by the Loya Jirga and a legislation by parliament to officially award the title of national hero to Ahmad Shah Massoud.