Members of Afghanistan’s Senate on Tuesday raised deep concerns over the recent statements by Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, the leader of Hizb-e-Islami, about the shares of tribes in the government, saying such assertions would have serious repercussions for the country.
 
They said the politicians should try to develop a sense of unity among the people rather than making hostile and provocative remarks.
 
The senators said recent remarks made by Hekmatyar, worsen the ongoing situation of the country. However, some other MPs said Hekmatyar’s remarks were aimed at promoting a balance in the delivery of services to the citizens of the country.
 
“We expect all politicians, including Hekmatyar, to encourage people towards unity and harmony,” said one senator Lailuma Ahmadi.
“In the face of current circumstances in the country, these statements are not helpful because Afghans need unity and kindness,” said another senator, Gulalai Akbari.
 
Senator Nazir Mohammad Faqiri said, “Hekmatyar’s remarks were not aimed at the reasons why development works had been carried out in certain provinces. Hekmatyar meant that work needed to be done in all provinces.”
 
“Afghanistan must be a united home for all. If reconstruction work is done, then it should be all over the country,” said senator Mohammad Alam Ezidyar.
 
On Sunday Hekmatyar said at a gathering in Khost province that some eastern parts of the country have less of a share in the government compared to Panjshir, Bamiyan and Daikundi provinces in the center of Afghanistan.
 
Hekmatyar’s remarks were followed by strong reactions among the Afghan public and politicians, including the CEO Abdullah Abdullah who described Hekmatyar’s remarks as statements that benefit the enemies.
 
“Divisions and differences among the people will benefit the enemies of Afghanistan," Abdullah said adding that “ethnic and religious divisions are not for the interest of the country and is good for enemies. Talking about ethnicity and pitting one province against others is not encouraging anyone towards any positive goal.”