Kandahar Chief of Police Visits Checkpoints in Zhari District

By Petty Officer 2nd Class Brian P. Seymour
CSTC-A Public Affairs

ZHARI DISTRICT, Afghanistan – The Afghan national police chief of Kandahar province visited several substations and checkpoints in the Zhari District, Oct. 25, to visit with his troops.

Gen. Sayeed-agha Saquib spent the day speaking with members of his force and acquainting himself with developments in one of the most volatile regions in the country.

After serving as chief of police out west in Farah province, Saquib was promoted this past summer to head a more demanding and dangerous region in the country.

With many years of experience in battle and in policing, Saquib realizes that the future of this district, the province of Kandahar, and ultimately the country, depends primarily on the preparedness and pride of his troops.

"It was my intention to visit these facilities today to see how they were doing, to see if they needed anything from me, and to see if I needed anything more from them," said Saquib. "I enjoyed seeing my police officers and letting them know that I care about them. This will go a long way, I hope."

For members of the Zhari ANP, the visit gave new policemen the chance to meet their leader, ask questions and show him what coalition police mentor teams have taught them.

The Zhari PMT, alongside ANP forces of whom they have guided for more than three months, provided security and transportation for the general's tour.

This 12-man team, which is deployed from the South Carolina National Guard, is tasked with assessing and training the district police force. Its executive officer, Army 1st Lt. James Payne, believes visits from leadership like this are vital to the morale of younger members of the ANP.

"To see Gen. Saquib, who is a seasoned leader, looks good, and seems to be sending the right message to his men; it sets a good example to some of the privates and recruits-in-training," said Payne. "He wants to show them that he gives a damn and wants to see the Zhari District become successful once again."

Zhari has not been successful, in the eyes of its PMT leaders, for some time now. Prior to their assignment as district mentors, this region, and much of its police force, was controlled by Taliban forces.

The Taliban had their thumbs pressed so firmly on the district police that they were unable to provide security and peace to the people whom they serve, said Payne.

Saquib already knows this, which he says is why he wished to come here. He wanted to reassure his men that they are not forgotten. To Payne, and other PMT members, that sense of understanding is critical to the development of the ANP.

"They need a leader to show them what it's like to wear a uniform properly; to follow the lead of their commanders, and always take care of the people whom they serve," said Payne. "They need a leader to show them what 'right' looks like, and I think that that is what he is trying to accomplish."

The tour marks the second time Saquib has visited the district since assuming command of its police force this past summer. And based on the hopes of PMT leadership, it cannot be the last.