HERAT, Afghanistan – The Islamic Republic of Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai named Herat as a transitional city during a speech in Kabul, today.
Development, governance and commerce in Herat happen at a rate higher than many other areas, and Afghans will take the lead in defending national sovereignty and tranquility here.
Life in Herat is vibrant, and the city is a benchmark of progress, said Brig. Gen. Sayed Agha Saqueb, Herat Provincial Afghan National Police chief.
“There are 600,000 high school students and 11 universities in Herat province,” said Saqueb. “Education and the security situation in Herat are quite good.”
The ANP is providing the security for all districts in Herat, while the 207th Afghan National Army Corps, based at Camp Zafar, assists, said the general. The ANP assures roughly 80 percent of security in the area.
“Making a living is getting better day by day,” Saqueb said. “We have many factories and industrial states. We have electricity, the border with Iran and Turkmenistan, and there are many activities with merchant and other aspects with these two countries.”
Location alone isn’t the key to Herat’s success. The people play an equally vital role.
“The people of Herat are always helping the police in all aspects,” said Saqueb. “They know that ISAF and coalition forces cannot remain, and cannot provide the security for the rest of their lives.”