Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai, who has remained in the country throughout the four years of Taliban rule, has paid tribute to Ahmad Shah Massoud on the 24th anniversary of his assassination, emphasizing Massoud’s unwavering presence in Afghanistan as a key reason for his enduring legacy.
“What makes Massoud lasting and deserving of respect,” Karzai said, “is his jihad, patriotism, and continuous presence among the people. He fought with determination and strength for Afghanistan’s freedom and always remained close to the people.”
While Karzai referred to Massoud as a “mujahid son and national hero of the country,” he notably stopped short of using the official title “National Hero,” a term that has been politically contested since the fall of the republic.
Karzai’s remarks follow a statement by the National Resistance Council for the Salvation of Afghanistan, which had called on the Afghan people to uphold Massoud’s legacy through unity and solidarity, describing his struggle as central to the nation’s fight for freedom, dignity, and justice.
