Taliban spokesman vows security and says some women’s rights will remain
17 August 2021, 16:24
Zabihullah Mujahid said ‘everyone is forgiven’ at his first news conference following the militant group’s victory in Afghanistan.
A Taliban spokesman has pledged to secure Afghanistan after the insurgents took over the country following a blitz that lasted over a week.
Zabihullah Mujahid made the comment 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.
It was also pledged that women’s rights would be honoured.
The Taliban’s previous regime had been renowned for its harsh treatment of women.
Mr Mujahid clarified that the women’s rights would be within Islamic law.
He said the Taliban wanted private media to “remain independent”, but stressed journalists “should not work against national values”.
Mr Mujahid also stressed that Afghanistan would not allow itself to harbour 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.
