Two key Afghan ministers sacked

The votes of no-confidence come at a critical time in the war,when Afghan police and soldiers are increasingly taking over responsibility from departing international troops,scheduled to leave Afghanistan or move into support roles by the end of 2014.

Legislators faulted the ministers for what they view as the governments weak response to cross-border attacks blamed on the Pakistani military,with lawmakers asking why it had not launched a military response . The parliamentarians also asked the ministers about allegations of corruption within their ministries and alleged security lapses that led to recent assassinations of top officials.

The parliament then passed a measure to remove Wardak by a vote of 146 to 72. A separate vote of no- confidence on Mohammadi passed 126 to 90. Both measures needed 124 votes to pass.

Both ministers are disqualified from their positions and we request His Excellency President Karzai to introduce new ministers for these positions as soon as possible, Abdul Raouf Abrahimi,Speaker of the lower house of parliament,said after the vote.