Afghanistan Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah reacted to Hizb-i-Islami leader Gulbudin Hekmatyar's recent remarks about the share of eastern provinces in the government.

“Division affects a country as poison does. Talking about ethnic share and pushing one province against another does not help one to reach his legitimate goals,” Abdullah said in ministerial council meeting on Monday.

He added that people are keen for peace and they understand how to reach it and how to defend and stand against division as they did before.

On Sunday, Hekmatyar, in his visit to Khost province, said that though more people in the east had taken part in Jihad, but the role of eastern provinces in government are weaker as compared to provinces like Panjshir, Bamyan and Daikundi.

He also said that Zadran tribal group has less share in government and that’s because Jalaludin Haqani, leader of Haqani network, who has fought against the United States of America, is also Zadran.

Addressing a second gathering in Khost, Hekmatyar today also emphasized on some points of his Sunday’s speech.

He said that the only solution for critical situation in Afghanistan is to have a transparent and inclusive election as scheduled. He added that convening Loya Jirga is not the solution.

He emphasized that some political parties who cannot receive people’s vote are trying to prevent election in the country.

He said that he does not want any changes in the election commission but he criticized lack of polling stations which he said would affect inclusiveness of the upcoming elections.

Hekmatyar also asked Taliban armed group to pave way for voting in their controlled areas.

Hizbe Islami leader said that Pakistan has been affected more in the ongoing war. He also criticized Iran for its involvement in Iraq and Syria war and asked Tehran not to play the same game in Afghanistan.

In the gathering, Hizbe Islami leader who inked peace deal with the Unity Government last year, also asked Taliban armed group to open their office in Kabul for peace talks.