ISLAMABAD: Former Afghan National Army Commander General Sami Sadat has extended warm Independence Day greetings to the government and people of Pakistan, while urging both nations to move toward closer cooperation and form a united front against the Taliban to ensure peace and security in the region.
In his message issued on August 14, 2026, Gen. Sadat congratulated Pakistan on its 79th Independence Day and praised the resilience and sacrifices of the Pakistani people. He said the historic ties between Afghans and Pakistanis are rooted in shared culture, religion, and geography, and that this relationship must now be redefined based on mutual respect and collective security.
“On this day of celebration for Pakistan, I extend my heartfelt congratulations. A stable and prosperous Pakistan is in the best interest of Afghanistan and the entire region,” Gen. Sadat stated. The former commander emphasized that the current security challenges posed by the Taliban cannot be addressed by any single country alone.
He called for enhanced intelligence sharing, border coordination, and diplomatic engagement between Kabul and Islamabad. Gen. Sadat stressed that lasting peace in Afghanistan and Pakistan requires joint efforts to counter extremism and terrorism. He said both countries face a common threat and must not allow it to divide them. He urged for a coordinated regional approach, including Pakistan, Afghanistan, and neighbouring states, to pressure the Taliban into inclusive governance and to prevent Afghanistan from becoming a safe haven for militant groups again.
He also highlighted the importance of trade, education, and refugee support as pillars to rebuild trust between the two nations. He noted that millions of Afghans living in Pakistan are a bridge for stronger bilateral relations.Gen. Sadat, who commanded Afghan forces during the final days of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in 2021, has been vocal about the need for regional stability since going into exile. His statement comes at a time when both countries are seeking ways to manage border security and economic cooperation.
He concluded by expressing hope that the new chapter in Pak-Afghan relations would be based on “sovereignty, non-interference, and a shared commitment to defeat terrorism. “The message was widely shared on social media by Afghan and Pakistani analysts, with many calling it a timely call for dialogue amid ongoing regional security concerns
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