The Shutol District Afghan National Police Station in Panjshir hosted their first media event showcasing Afghan police conducting training here July 21.
The Shutol ANP, who have worked with the Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team to improve their ability to provide security and respond to emergencies in the district, invited the media to help demonstrate these skills to the people in Panjshir.
The three Afghan media members reported on the police training, which included navigating a practice course by compass and using a GPS device.
A reporter from Radio Khurasan, a reporter from the Panjshir Valley Newspaper and the director of information and culture, arrived at the Shutol station to cover the final day of the navigation training taught to members of Afghan Police by Afghan Police, said Shutol District Capt. Safat Ullah Sangee, Panjshir Operations Coordination Center-Provincial.
“This training is a good example of Afghans taking the lead to teach other Afghans.”
“This media event is important so the people see the good things we are doing,” said Afghan National Army Col. Rajab Khan, commander of the Panjshir OCCP. “Sometimes people only see the bad things going on. When people hear about all of the positive things happening, they feel better and are encouraged to try to do better themselves.”
In addition to covering the training, the media representatives conducted a question and answer interview with ANP Panjshir Provincial Chief Gen. Mullah Saboor.
Saboor made a clear connection between the media covering the improvements in training and the security of the province and country.
“The media is covering some very important training here,” said Saboor. “We do a lot of training, and the media can show the people that we are working hard to keep them all secure.”
Saboor concluded by letting people watching, reading or listening know that he appreciates the American PRT, and he wants the rest of the valley to continue supporting them as well.
“The last thing I want to say is ‘Thank you,’” said Saboor. “Thank you to our American friends of PRT Panjshir. They leave their families at home for a long time to support us. We really do understand and appreciate their sacrifice.”