Courtesy Photo | Paktika Gov. Akhram Khapalwak talks to tribal elders from Kher Khot about the progress...... read more read more
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By Army Capt. Ashley Dellavalle
Task Force Rugged Public Affairs Office
FORWARD OPERATING BASE SHARANA, Afghanistan— Hundreds of tribal elders from Kher Khot district in Paktika province gathered at their new district center July 11 to hear an address from Gov. Akhram Khapalwak.
The meeting recognized the opening of the district center. It was also an opportunity for residents of Kher Khot to talk to their district and provincial leaders about their village, as well as understand what the government is doing for the people throughout the province.
Khapalwak has made many visits to his 23 districts in Paktika holding Shuras, or councils of tribal representatives, which the tribes meet together to unify their efforts.
Among the distinguished speakers at the Shura were Dr. Nawab Waziri, head of the Provincial Council of Sharana, several members of the parliament, to include Gherghasta Katwazi Solimankhil and Nadir Khan, as well as Afghan national army and Afghan national police leaders of the district.
During weekly meetings called Provincial Development Councils, Khapalwak and the Sharana Provincial Reconstruction Team, commanded by Navy Cmdr. Eduardo Fernandez, work closely to ensure the needs of the people of Paktika are being addressed. The Shuras are an attempt to discuss with the people their needs and ensure that the people understand the efforts being carried out by the government.
"Your provincial leaders are regarded as the best," Fernandez told the people of Kher Khot. "Your teamwork is the model for all of the country to emulate."
Khapalwak discussed the efforts of the government and the people in three areas: security, construction and governance. He emphasized that these important pillars must have the support of the people to be effective.
"Security, construction and governance belong to the people," said Khapalwak. "Whatever I am today is because of you. You, the people, make the government. The government must be supported by the people. For example, if the people do not want security, it is very hard. You are responsible to build this province. You are responsible to visit me and tell me your problems."
Khapalwak encouraged the people to educate their children so they can become teachers and doctors.
Many new schools have been opened within the province and many more are on the horizon.
The governor's emphasis on education was pronounced during the Shura when two Afghan girls approached the microphone and read poems.
The governor has plans to continue holding these Shuras to communicate the government's efforts as well as communicate to the people their responsibilities.
"The turban stands for respect, honesty and hard work," said Khapalwak. "You must act appropriately and support your government."
| Date Taken: | 07.16.2007 |
| Date Posted: | 07.16.2007 13:07 |
| Story ID: | 11297 |
| Location: | FORWARD OPERATING BASE SHARANA, AF |
| Web Views: | 112 |
| Downloads: | 34 |
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