Asserting that terrorism had destroyed Afghanistan, President Hamid Karzai on Wednesday said there was need to fight the scourge collectively as it affected both who played with it and those who faced it.
"Terrorism had destroyed Afghanistan. The nation was pushed backward due to it. We must resist terror and get rid of it," he said, interacting with students and teachers of the Himachal Pradesh University in Shimla.
"Afghanistan is now stable but is grappling with problems like illiteracy and health care. There is need to build institutions to resurrect the country and we are doing it," Karzai, who visited his alma mater, said.
"I want to leave a legacy of prosperous Afghanistan for future generations," he said when asked whether he would be interested in another term as President.
Karzai said he would be happy sitting at home and seeing Afghanistan progress and develop under the new leadership. He said democracy had been restored in Afghanistan with women getting 28 per cent representation in Parliament. Besides, there was ample freedom of press in the country, he said.
Turning to India, Karzai thanked it for giving liberal aid for rebuilding Afghanistan. India was among the frontline countries which helped Afghanistan, he said, adding that it had given an assistance of $700 million.
"Our relations with India are very deep and historical and we will continue to work to make these stronger," he said.
Karzai said India was making rapid progress and emerging as a global economy, had vibrant democracy, parliamentary system, freedom of press and great leadership but it should not forget the legacy of leaders like Mahatma Gandhi who preached non-violence, harmony, humanity and simplicity.
