During the video conference, the President talked to the governors, senior officials and members of the Provincial Councils of Ghor and Paktia provinces, and listened to their reports on the general situation, progress and problems in these provinces.

Rahmatullah Rahmat, Governor of Paktia province, said, “The situation in the province is satisfactory, however, there are some irresponsible armed men in the province. Security problems rarely emerge and there is complete coordination between the security forces.”

“The security forces are ensuring security in the areas vulnerable to the enemy threat. Also, the national reconciliation programme is under way to encourage the opposition to join the Government.”

Speaking about reconstruction, the Governor of Paktia said, “Some projects have been implemented by the PRT, the National Solidarity Programme officials, and some other Ministries.”

“The National Solidarity Programme officials have implemented 860 projects this past year, and 26 other projects are currently being implemented. The PRT is currently implementing 18 projects and 14 other projects have already been completed.”

“An orphanage accommodating 200 orphans has been inaugurated, and the 100-bed military hospital provides health services to military personnel and civilians alike. Paktia’s Municipal Council is rebuilding the town of Gardez.”

“We will lay the foundation stone of a 130-bed hospital in the near future, and some districts are in dire need of health clinics.”

Speaking about the secondary and higher education, the Governor said, “Students and teachers happily go to school. Only 70 out of 201 schools have a building, and that the University in Paktia needs further assistance. We have approached different organizations for rebuilding it.

“The living conditions of the people are satisfactory compared to the past years. The people’s living conditions have dramatically improved in the past three years, but unemployment is still a serious problem in the province.”

“There were 400 shops in Gardez four years ago, but now there are 1,400 shops. 60 high-rise buildings have been built in the town. 21 km of road has been repaired in different districts of Gardez town, and 26 km road linking Zarmal district with Gardez is under repair. Residential houses are being built for 1,000 families.”

The Governor submitted his proposals to the President. His proposals requested the improvement of security situation, the provision of electricity, ensuring greater coordination between the local and central government, and hastening the pace of reconstruction.

Head of Women Affairs Department also briefed the President on women’s progress in the past years and the challenges facing women in this province.

The President instructed the provincial authorities to hasten the pace of development work, and to pay serious attention to education.

During another video conference, the President assessed the situation in the province of Ghor.

Shah Abdul Ahad Afzali, Governor of Ghor province, briefed the President on the general situation in the province and the challenges ahead.  Senior provincial authorities and members of the Provincial Council attended the conference.

“Government offices have been rebuilt and there are 400 shops in Cheghcheran town. The construction and repair work of 36 schools have been completed. 27 schools are being rebuilt. 100 km of road has been repaired; eight health clinics and seven water dams have been rebuilt.”

“Roads are open to traffic during the winter, and 5,865 tonnes of food have been distributed to poor families.”

“Lack of female doctors and medical supplies and buildings for clinics are major problems.”

“Despite these problems, international aid agencies support 24 health clinics and the hospital in Cheghcheran provides health services to the people.”

Head of Ghor’s Provincial Council said, “The security situation is satisfactory and the people's living conditions have improved compared to the past years. Drought has badly affected the people.”

The head of Ghor’s Education Department said, “There are 390 schools in the province, and 2,597 teachers are teaching 124,000 students. The people of Ghor ask the Government re-activate the Institute of Pedagogy.

The President said, “A bright future hinges on the development of education and a  young educated generation.

The President instructed the Governor of Ghor to pay serious attention to the improvement of education.

Also, the President asked the people to encourage their sons to join the national army and police.