Team News Riveting
The Taliban pledged for a secure Afghanistan after the insurgents toppled the Ashraf Ghani government in the bloodless battle that lasted over a week.
Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid made the comment on Tuesday at his first news conference in the capital city of Kabul. For years, he had been an invisible figure issuing statements on behalf of the militants.
“We assure you that nobody will go to their doors to ask why they helped,” he said with a reference that the insurgents sought no revenge and insisted that “everyone is forgiven,” even if they worked with the former government or with foreign governments or forces.
The spokesman also said the Taliban wanted private media to remain independent and stressed that journalists should not work against the national values. Mujahid said 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.
The Taliban also declared they wanted peaceful relations with other countries and would respect the rights of women within the framework of Islamic law. “We don’t want any internal or external enemies,” Mujahid said. Women would be allowed to work and study and “will be very active in society but within the framework of Islam,” he added. At least, two female journalists were present in the press conference of Mujahid.
The Taliban news conference came as the US and Western allies evacuated diplomats and civilians the day after scenes of chaos at Kabul airport as Afghans desperate to flee the Taliban thronged to the terminal.
