Herat civil society activists and residents – in the country’s west – said on Friday that they are all set to host a ‘unique celebration’ for 98th Independence Day of Afghanistan. 

According to TOLOnews reporter Jawed Ziaratjaee, the Herat city has been decorated with Afghanistan flags and pictures which show the image of famous Afghan leaders who have had a role in Afghanistan’s freedom and peace. 

The residents of Herat said they will celebrate the Independence Day at a big gathering in order to show their support to government and to the security forces.

“The Herat residents want to celebrate the day much different compared to previous years and through this, they want to send the message of peace to the Afghan nation and to the world,” said Sayed Khalil Qetali, member of a commission responsible for organizing the celebration ceremony. 

He said they would also show that the Herat residents are united and that they are supporting the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces.

“It is a national day and it has a national motivation. We will celebrate it to respect the achievements by our leaders,” said Faisal Seddiqi, a civil society activist in Herat.

The organizers of the ceremony said they have started collecting signatures on a petition for giving a clear message to terrorist groups.

“By this celebration, we want to support the system and express our hatred to Taliban and Daesh,” said Hamid Nooriyan, a resident of Herat.