Gas Leak Wrecks 10th Anniversary of Constitution

KABUL: (MEP) -On Tuesday, the 10th anniversary of the ratification of the Afghan constitution, a ceremony in Kabul to celebrate the day was disrupted by a gas cylinder explosion inside the event venue that left no casualties but ended the proceedings.

The scene of the gas leak was said to have been chaotic, with the many high-ranking government officials in attendance at the event fleeing for cover after the sound of the explosion was heard and smoke seen. For many, it is likely the first thought that came to mind was that an attack had taken place.

“Unfortunately, what you witnessed was a technical failure when a gas tank exploded and by the grace of Allah no one was injured in the incident,” said Gul Rahman Qazi, the head of the commission charged with overseeing the implementation of the Constitution.

“The guests were prepared to participate in the event, but it was not suitable, because the room was full of smoke and it was unsafe for their health…we will celebrate this day on another day of the week.”

The 16 Chapters and 162 Articles of the Afghan Constitution were approved in 2004 by a Loya Jirga

A number of Afghan leaders who participated in the Jirga held 10 years ago to ratify the Constitution spoke out about the weakness of rule of law in Afghanistan and the lack of consequences faced by government officials when they flout the Constitution.

“If we have a look at the heart of the Constitution, undoubtedly, we will see that it has been injured and it is full of wounds caused by human rights violators,” Mohammad Ismail Qasimyar said. “Regrettably, the culture of rule of law in our society is feeble, and in most cases, violators of human rights have been statesmen.”

The issue of human rights violators being involved in government has been a hot-button issue this year, with the Presidential and Provincial Council elections just around the corner in April. The vote will mark the first democratic transition of Presidential power in Afghan history.