The Helmand peace activists were warmly welcomed on their arrival in Maidan Wardak province on Friday as they continue their journey to Kabul.

The residents of Durani district in Wardak brought gifts for the convoy members when they reached the area on Friday morning.

“Their tired faces show that they want peace and the nation wants peace. We want peace either. I call on involved sides of the conflict to stop war,” said Mohammad Qasim, a resident of Wardak. 

“We hope that the move will result in peace. We are happy about this,” said Raz Mohammad, a resident of the province. 

“I am ready to stay hungry for one week in exchange for peace because it is too much important for me,” said Taj Mohammad, a resident of Wardak.  

So far, the activists have travelled to the most insecure prats of the country during this journey, conveying the message of peace to the people.

“We call on both sides to end this (war). This nation is tired of war. The ceasefire should be extended at least for three months,” said Pacha Khan, member of the convoy.

“This move will continue until peace comes to Afghanistan,” Mohammad, member of the convoy, said.

Nek Mohammad, 75, is the eldest member of the convoy who said he has left his family in Muqur district in Ghazni and joined the convoy with the hope to play a role in the country’s peace.

“I have six children. I have left all of them at home and joined this convoy in the hope for peace,” he said.

President Ashraf Ghani meanwhile praised the Helmand peace convoy when he addressed the nation after Eid prayers at the Presidential Palace on Friday.

“The (peace) convoy has reached close to Kabul. I call on Kabul people to welcome them,” he said.

Among the residents was Zokurullah who has lost his eye and two members of his family in the wars, said he wants peace and that the people are really tired of war.

“Peace is highly important for me and for the nation,” he said.

The peace convoy will arrive Kabul at the end of next week. They started their journey 34 days ago.