*KABUL – The Chief Executive of the National Unity Government on Thursdaystrongly reacted at the launch of the long-disputed process of electronicNational Identity Card (e-NIC).*
Speaking during a press conference in Kabul after the inauguration of e-NICby President Ashraf Ghani, Abdullah said the distribution process of e-NICdoes not have the needed recognition and it can lead the war-torn countryto further chaos and problems.
“I would once again declare that all the national processes which are notbeing consulted within the National Unity Government and with the people ofAfghanistan are not legitimate and I will not be part of those processes,”Abdullah said.
He emphasized that national processes in the country need nation levelconsultations, adding that the distribution of e-NIC should not divide thenation.
“The reason I have not participated in distribution of e-NIC is that I knowthis process has not received the needed legitimacy and support from theAfghan people,” he added. “A one-sided decision that hasn’t been approvedby all sides can only lead to crisis and more problems.”
According to the Chief Executive, the issue of e-NIC was discussed acrossthe country. People had legitimate concerns, but no attention was paid totheir legitimate concerns.
Meanwhile, he said security remains a top priority for the people ofAfghanistan and the government should spend its time on the first needs ofpeople.
“This year we will have troubles of drought and people living in povertyneed work from us. Distribution of e-NIC is not the priority for thoseliving in poverty and those losing loved ones to terror,” he said.
“As we talk today, We have serious security issues throughout the country.Right now, there is an attack going on against the Afghan forces in DaiChupan of Zabul and we have lost soldiers and that should be our priority,not something that can divide the nation.”
He further accused President Ghani of misleading public perceptions, sayingI don’t think anyone will ever believe the logic that the last terroristattack was carried out by someone carrying a paper identity card.