Fallen Paktya Leader set the example for service to country

KABUL, Afghanistan - In an effort to reverse the progress the Afghan people have experienced in Afghanistan, on Sept. 10, a Taliban extremist suicide bomber killed Abdul Hakim Taniwal, governor of Paktya Province, his nephew and his driver.

Gov. Taniwal’s legacy in his province will not be forgotten.

Forced into exile in the mid-1980s by the Taliban’s rule, Gov. Taniwal was a sociology professor in Melbourne, Australia. He left his family and a life of comfort to return to Afghanistan and take part in rebuilding his home country.

"Gov. Taniwal was a dedicated public servant," said Lt. Gen. Karl W. Eikenberry, commander, Combined Forces Command - Afghanistan. "His selfless service to the Afghan people should serve as a role model for others to emulate."

Gov. Taniwal, a close friend of President Karzai, was a professor at Kabul University when he was selected to be the governor of Khowst Province. Prior to his selection as the governor of Paktya Province, Taniwal served as the minister of Mines and Industry and Labor and Social Affairs.

Admired for his commitment to influence positive change in his province through honest and professional work, Gov. Taniwal had the qualities needed to fill senior posts throughout the country and set the example for other leaders to follow.

"His murder will only serve to resolve the Coalition forces to continue to relentlessly pursue those who threaten the Afghan people," said Eikenberry.

The attack comes at a time when NATO, Coalition and Afghan forces continue on the offensive to seek out extremist safe havens and re-establish security for the Afghan people.

Category: (Military) Press Release.