Afghan Security Officials Summoned to Parliament

Top Afghan security officials were called to parliament to brief the house about their activities amid a dramatic surge in insurgent attacks.

The officials including interior minister, deputy intelligence chief and chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Tuesday came to parliament and answered a number of questions focused on recent surge in insecurity.

Interior Minister Bismellah Mohammadi said the recent wave of attacks were provoked by rumours about establishment of US permanent bases, peace talks with the Taliban and security transition to Afghan lead.

As the Afghan Defence Minister and Head of National Directorate of Security failed to come to the House of Representatives, Afghan lawmakers strongly criticised their absence.

"Afghan security forces are expected to take lead by 2014, but have they really grown enough potential to ensure security?," Fakoor Beheshti, an Afghan MP, said doubtfully.

"Today the Taliban and insurgents come to downtowns and bring security bases under attack," Mohammad Arif Rahmani, another Afghan MP, said.

While expressing concern about an increase in civilian deaths, interior minister said there are around 70 districts with high security threats.

"Undoubtedly, our police forces lack necessary motivation as we had during the period of Jihad to defend our country. We had a huge motivation then, but they don't have it now," Mr Bismellah Mohammadi said.

"There hasn't been necessary consideration over national army, national police and our security bodies in general, but still Afghan army has made some progress since 2008," Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Shir Mohammad Katawazi said.

Yesterday during a joint press conference with Iranian interior minister, Mr Bismellah Mohammadi said Afghanistan has no evidence proving Iran's involvement in Afghan insurgency, but deputy head of national directorate of security pointed out that 95 percent of the insurgency is sketched by neighbouring countries.