Mohammad Ishaq Rahgozar, who was among three candidates recommended for the Balkh governor’s post, officially took over the reins on Thursday.

Rahgozar was appointed to the position based on a decree issued by President Ashraf Ghani.

Former Balkh governor Atta Mohammad Noor, who addressed a ceremony to introduce the new governor, thanked the president and the Presidential Palace’s negotiations team for their efforts to end the rift between himself and government.

He stressed that “no (underhand) deal has been made in talks between government and Jamiat-e-Islami party”.

Meanwhile, Major General Akram Saame was also appointed as the province’s new police chief. He replaces Sayed Kamal Sadat.

During Saame’s introduction, Noor said new appointments and the dismissals of officials are a normal and accepted process of government.

Noor decided to leave the position after three months of resistance and tension following Ghani’s decision to accept his resignation.

Rahgozar is a member of Jamiat-e-Islami and a close aide to Noor. He was governor of Balkh during the interim and transitional governments in Afghanistan.

The new police chief of Balkh has 35 years of experience in his profession. He has also served for years in Kunduz and Zabul provinces.