Date: 1.9.2024
Number:12
In the name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful.
People of Afghanistan, Our Faithful Sisters, and Brothers:
Afghanistan finds itself at a pivotal and defining moment in its political journey—moments that possess the power to reshape the destiny of our nation. The hardships and setbacks we have endured, both past and present, though painful, offer us a rare opportunity for introspection and learning. These lessons compel us to carve out a new and enduring path for the future governance of our country.
The Afghanistan National Liberty Party (ANLP), acutely aware of the imperatives of the post-Taliban era, asserts that the nation’s future must be built upon a fresh, inclusive narrative. This narrative must prioritize social justice, the safeguarding of fundamental human rights, the respect for human dignity, and the clear and respectful distinction between the spheres of religion and politics.
We hold firmly that the sacred religion of Islam, as the cornerstone of our religious convictions, cultural heritage, and national identity, occupies an esteemed place in the personal and communal lives of the people of Afghanistan. Islam has always been, and will remain, a source of guidance, spirituality, morality, and high human values. However, our history has demonstrated that when religion is misused as a tool for the consolidation of power or the imposition of the will of select groups, it leads to the erosion of these sacred values and sows division among our people.
It is, therefore, essential that we move towards a discourse that preserves Islam as a divine and inspirational source in the spiritual and moral lives of the people, free from any political exploitation that could undermine its sanctity. Simultaneously, our political system must be anchored in the pursuit of the public good, striving to achieve social justice and uphold fundamental freedoms across the nation.
This new discourse, rooted in the lessons of our past, has the potential to guide Afghanistan towards unity and resilience. With unwavering faith in the sacred religion of Islam, we believe that the respectful distinction between religion and politics will not only protect the revered position of Islam but will also prevent its distortion and misuse. This approach will pave the way for rebuilding public trust and fortifying our national institutions.
The difficult and bitter experiences of recent years, particularly under the extremist rule of the Taliban, have clearly shown that the only path to a stable, sustainable, and citizen-centered Afghanistan lies in the adherence to the principles of social justice and the proper distinction between religion and politics.
We call upon all political parties, movements, groups, and diverse sectors of society—including civil institutions, religious scholars, women, youth, intellectuals, and national figures—to unite with a spirit of solidarity and commitment to a better future. We urge all to participate in this rational and principled journey. We also appeal to the true religious scholars and thinkers to courageously and responsibly reject the instrumentalization of Islam for political ends. We ask them to enlighten public consciousness with their wise counsel so that, together, we can build a society where religion and politics each occupy their rightful and respectful places.
This approach is not merely a matter of principle; it is a strategy for reinforcing our national foundations and fostering the conditions necessary for peace, justice, and sustainable development in Afghanistan. We are convinced that, by learning from the past, countering extremism, and focusing on our collective future, we can build an Afghanistan where every citizen lives with pride, dignity, and equal rights.
The Afghanistan National Liberty Party (ANLP) firmly believes that constructive dialogue and active participation among all segments of society are essential to overcoming the current challenges facing our nation. We therefore invite every sector of society to engage actively and responsibly in this discourse and to play their part in shaping the future of Afghanistan.
Leadership Council of the Afghanistan National Liberty Party (ANLP)