Paktya Deputy Governor, Abdal Rahma Mangal, Afghan National Police Chief, Brig. Gen. Sayed Aziz Ahmad Wardak, and the Director of Women’s Affairs, Halima Khazan laid the foundational stones for the structure. Mangal and Brig. Gen. Wardak both congratulated Khazan and thanked her for her dedication to women’s empowerment.
The Paktya PRT women’s affairs rep., Army Staff Sgt. Quitze Garcia, who attended the event, was encouraged by the progress foreshadowed by the groundbreaking ceremony.
“I hope that all the women of this area who got to watch this on the news or hear about it over the radio will also be encouraged to see that their govt will support them and their rights,” Garcia said.
For the Paktya PRT cmdr, AF Lt. Col. Carlos Halcomb, the groundbreaking marked the progress for an important part of Afghan society. “This event marked another important step forward for the women of Paktya. The new facility will create additional opportunities for females to learn and grow, both professionally and in their personal lives. Not only do Afghan women face urgent humanitarian needs, but their untapped energy and productivity are essential for sustainable peace, security, and development in Afghanistan,” Holcomb said.
