Security deputies denied permission to enter senate

KABUL (TOLO News): Deputies of the country’s security agencies were allowed the permission to enter the Meshrano Jirga, the Upper House of the Parliament, after lawmakers found that they were sent instead of the heads of the institutions to brief the senators on the “deteriorating security situation” in parts of Afghanistan.

Violence has increased in many parts of the country, including the outskirts of big cities, despite repeated calls for a ceasefire between the Afghan government and the Taliban – who refuse to attend face-to-face talks with President Ghani’s negotiators.

Kabul has faced two complex attacks in recent weeks which have left more than two dozens of civilians dead. Moreover, at least four civilians were killed in multiple explosions in Nangarhar province in the east of the country on Monday evening.

The Senate Speaker Fazl Hadi Muslimyar said the security heads have failed to ensure the safety of the people and take the situation under control.

“What happened in Nangarhar last night, what happened in Faryab and the what happened in Uruzgan?” Muslimyar asked. “They (security heads) have failed to maintain security.”

Another lawmaker Gulalai Akbari said the security heads have “no achievement” and that they have “nothing to explain” to the people.

“People want security. There will be no reconstruction, no democracy and no election in absence of security,” said Gul Ahmad Azami, a lawmaker.

The legislators decided to summon Acting Minister of Defense Assadullah Khalid, Acting Interior Minister Massoud Andrabi and head of the National Directorate of Security Massoum Stanekzai on Saturday.