Speaking to a gathering in the southern province of Khost, the acting minister of interior, Sirajuddin Haqqani, called on the US to free up the $7 billion in frozen Afghan central bank assets, calling the ban an unjust decision.

Haqqani said that the formation of an inclusive government will come into effect itself whenever “the western ideology” is removed from Afghanistan.

“Did they achieve anything over the past 20 years? Now, they have frozen the Afghans’ assets and have taken revenge on a certain number of people. You fought against them for 20 years,” Haqqani said, insisting that it takes a long time to form an inclusive government.

Haqqani said that Afghanistan should not wait for recognition and that essential steps needed to be taken.

“We say don’t shout for an inclusive government desperately. Be patient. Once the ideology of paganism is eliminated and Afghans are adjusted to their national and Islamic identity, the inclusivity will be ensured itself,” Haqqani said. 

Haqqani reiterated that Islamic Emirate will make sure that Afghanistan will not pose threat to any other countries, including neighbors.

“We don’t say we oppose Pakistan, Iran, China, or anyone else. We Afghans have given our test and we assure them there will be no threat from our side but we ask for a similar engagement,” he added. 

Haqqani urged the nation to stay united and accept each other.