In their first official press briefing since the Kabul seizure, the Taliban vowed to protect women's rights "within the limits" of Islamic law.
Addressing the press conference from inside the Presidential Palace in Kabul, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid asserted that rights of women will be protected "within the limits of Islamic law".
“The women are going to be very active in society, but within the framework of Islam,” Al Jazeera quoted Mujahid as saying
The Taliban spokesperson said they wished for peaceful relations with other countries, adding they don't want any "internal or external enemies".
"We want to assure our neighbouring countries that our land will not be misused against them. International community should also recognise us"
Calling the Ghani-led government ""incompetent", the Taliban spokesperson said that their plan was to stop at the gates of Kabul after capturing rest of the areas.
"We want to assure the security of international embassies and organisations in Kabul. Our plan was to stop at the gates of Kabul after capturing rest of the areas but, unfortunately, the previous government was incompetent. They could not provide security. We will provide security to all foreign organisations now. We don't seek any enemies. inside or outside Afghanistan," Zabihullah Mujahid said.
Responding to a question about differences between the 1990s Taliban and the current one, Mujahid said the ideology and beliefs are the same because they are Muslims, but there is a change in terms of experience. He added that they are more experienced and have a different perspective.
The Taliban spokesperson pledged to honor women's rights, but within the norms of Islamic law. His assertion that the Taliban would protect women's rights comes after their resurgence has brought back the fear among the women of their earlier rule that severely restricted women's lives and rights.
Mujahid also said the Taliban wanted private media to "remain independent," but stressed journalists "should not work against national values."
Mujahid also stressed that Afghanistan would not allow itself to harbor anyone targeting other nations.
That was a key demand in a deal the militants struck with the Trump administration in 2020 that led to the ultimate US withdrawal under current President Joe Biden.
He promised the insurgents would secure Afghanistan after they took over the country following a blitz that lasted over a week.
(Daily Mirror)