Taliban says it will honour women’s rights but within norms of Islamic law

At a press conference, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said Afghanistan won't harbor anyone targeting other nations and asserted it wanted private media to remain independent.

File photo of Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid (middle) during a press conference in Afghanistan on 17 August 2021 | Twitter/@paykhar

Kabul: A Taliban spokesman has pledged to honor women’s rights, but within the norms of Islamic law.

Zabihullah Mujahid made the comment Tuesday at his first news conference. For years, he had been a shadowy figure issuing statements on behalf of the militants.

His assertion that the Taliban would protect women’s rights comes after the Taliban’s earlier rule saw women’s lives and rights severely restricted.

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 withdraw 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.

He said the insurgents sought no revenge. Many Afghans have expressed fear that the Taliban will return the country the brutal rule they used when last in charge, and foreign officials have said they will wait to see if the insurgents make good on their promises.

The Taliban spokesman has pledged to secure Afghanistan after the insurgents took over the country following a blitz that lasted over a week.

Mujahid also addressed a key concern for many Afghans and foreigners alike, saying that women’s rights will be honored under Islamic law. When they last held power, the Taliban severely restricted women’s lives.

Mujahid made the comment Tuesday at his first news conference. For years, he had been a shadowy figure issuing statements on behalf of the militants.

He said the insurgents sought no revenge and that everyone is forgiven.

Many Afghans have expressed fear that the Taliban will return the country the brutal rule they used when last in charge, and foreign officials have said they will wait to see if the insurgents make good on their promises.