KABUL, Afghanistan – Our condolences go out to the family and friends of Engineer Abdul Latif Ashana, deputy governor of Kandahar, and a man who was working selflessly for the people of Kandahar province.
Deputy Gov. Ashana faced danger throughout his public service career from the insurgency, but he never let that interfere with his service to the Kandaharis. In 2009, he survived a deadly suicide attack by the Taliban that killed a number of high ranking government officials and members of the Kandahar Provincial Council. Despite this attack and constant threats to his life, the deputy governor continued to serve the people.
I strongly condemn the barbaric attack of the Taliban and pledge to work with our Afghan partners to bring those responsible to justice. Indeed the death of Engineer Abdul Latif Ashana and his courageous service in the face of danger will inspire us to redouble our efforts to help our Afghan partners seeking peace and a better future for all Afghans.