British Muslim Delegation visit Task Force- Helmand
31st October 2009
The British Muslim Delegation visited Afghanistan this week to gain a first-hand understanding of the UK's military and civilian involvement in Afghanistan.
The visit was aimed at promoting a greater understanding among the British Muslim community regarding the work of the Provincial Reconstruction Team and Task Force Helmand in Afghanistan.
The delegates met with Provincial Governor of Helmand province- Gulab Mangal, and saw his Wheat Seed Distribution Programme in action. The programme provides farmers with 100kg of wheat seed, along with the fertilizers and pesticides needed. Its aim is to encourage licit livelihoods amongst those who may otherwise grow poppy. The delegates also met the local religious leaders, influential leaders and other school students, and the most important was witnessing the Afghan Army alongside the British Army having discussions on peace and the reconstruction of Helmand. The group also stopped at a recently opened school, and were flown by Chinook helicopter to Forward Operating Base Shawquat, in the Nad e-Ali district of Helmand.
Another vast achievement which took place was the broadcasting and opening day of “Helmand TV” where Delegate Faqir Mayvand was interviewed live on the show. On the last day, the British Embassy invited the Delegates for dinner which included guests such as the British Ambassador- Mr Mark Philip Sedwill , Members of Afghanistan Parliament, Staff of British Embassy, Education Department, Afghanistan Human Rights Commissioner -Miss Sima Samar and the Chief Electoral Officer of the Independent Election Commission team- Mr Daoud Ali Najafi where many discussions took place.
Delegate Faqir Mayvand, Director of Afghan Council UK, agreed: "British, Afghan soldiers and Officers are working alongside one another. It is a well-built partnership, which is certainly getting stronger as days go by. We are definitely heading in the right direction."
