EXCLUSIVE: Stay in Afghanistan, we guarantee rights of minorities, women: Taliban

[superadmin]

KUALA LUMPUR – The Taliban leadership, whose forces reassumed power in Afghanistan last month, has given its assurance that the rights of minority communities and women will be guaranteed under its rule.

Speaking to The Vibes, Taliban spokesman Abdul Qahar Balkhi claimed that religious minorities had led peaceful lives during the organisation’s previous rule in Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001.

He urged Afghans to stay in the country, in view of the rate at which people have tried to flee the country. The situation, which includes scenes of utter panic at the Kabul International Airport, has sparked worries of a brain drain.

“The rights of all minorities have and will continue to be protected and guaranteed,” he said.

“These minorities lived a peaceful life during our previous rule and were forced out of their homes during the American occupation and its installed democratic regime.

“We urge all Afghans to return to their homes and assist in rebuilding their homeland,” Qahar said in response to The Vibes.

Qahar was also asked if women would be allowed to become political leaders and even represent their country in sports under Taliban rule.

It was pointed out to him that Malaysia, a country with Islam as its official religion, features minorities and women in the executive branch of government.

“The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan will give all rights to women that have been guaranteed by Islam, including their right to work, education, health and in every other space,” he replied.


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