Afghan new year offers new hope in Paktika

Afghanistan – Members of Paktika Provincial Reconstruction Team got a second shot at their New Year’s resolutions March 21 as they rang in the year 1390 at a celebration for Nawroz, the Afghan New Year.

The governor of Paktika Province, Moheebullah Samim, invited members of Paktika PRT to celebrate the holiday with government officials at Sharan District compound.

The celebration began with a welcome from the governor, and the ceremonial planting of a tree as an example for others to help make Afghanistan a greener country.

“I hope the war will stop in our country and especially in Paktika province,” Samim said, addressing the crowd as they gathered around the newly-planted tree. “I hope it will be a great year with lots of hope.”

Moments later, Afghan men rode into the compound on horses decorated in colorful ribbons and bells fit for the Nawroz festivities. A PRT interpreter who grew up in Afghanistan said riding horses is a Nawroz tradition in Paktika, both for show and for playing games.

As the crowd made its way to the guest house for lunch, Dr. Bibi Hawa, Paktika director of Women’s Affairs, shared her thoughts about Nawroz and what it means to her.

“We want peace in the country,” she said. “We want, with the help of the PRT and the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, to hopefully reach my goals: for women to be educated, and if they have any problem, to know that I’m here to help.”

The crowd, a mix of coalition force and provincial government leaders, shared a lunch of traditional Afghan dishes and specialty dishes especially for Nawroz.

Female attendees gathered in a separate room to eat, but Samim visited with them over the first course of the meal. He shared his thoughts about Nawroz and what it symbolizes for the new year in Paktika.

“I have hope,” Samim said. “We want to work very hard for Paktika province, having good security so the people can live their lives. Under good security, anywhere in the world, a government can do a better job.”

After spending five months working alongside Samim, U.S. Navy Cmdr. Donny Cox, Paktika PRT commander from Fort Worth, Texas, also expressed his wishes for the future of Paktika.

“Nawroz represents a new beginning and a new hope as we continue to strengthen our partnership and work together to improve the lives of the Afghan people,” Cox said. “I hope that 1390 brings increased prosperity to the people of Paktika province.”