New Taliban Govt to Respect Human Rights & International Laws, but Conditions Apply

After being appointed leader of the acting government in Afghanistan on Tuesday, Hibatullah Akhundzada, in his first statement, assured his countrymen that the country would be governed as per Sharia law.

"The new regime of Taliban will be committed to all international laws and treaties, resolutions, and commitments, which will not conflict with Islamic laws and Afghanistan's national values", the statement further read.

Self-reliant Afghanistan

Within the framework of Sharia laws, the Taliban said they would provide a healthy and safe environment for religious and modern sciences to Afghan nationals. 

The Taliban will work to improve the quality of media in Afghanistan as well as for their freedom and functioning, the group said, adding, "We consider it our duty to take into account the sacred precepts of Islam, the national interests of the country and impartiality in our broadcasts."

"We want to have a peaceful, prosperous, and self-reliant Afghanistan, for which we will strive to eliminate all causes of war and strife in the country, and our countrymen to live in complete security and comfort."

International Concern

Having seen the previous stint of the Taliban in government from 1996 to 2001, the world powers have expressed their concerns over issues related to the rights of women and minorities in the war-torn country.

The international community has told the Taliban that the key to peace and development is an inclusive government that would back up its pledges of a more conciliatory approach, upholding human rights, after a previous 1996-2001 period in power marked by bloody vendettas and oppression of women.

During the 1996–2001 rule, the Taliban had enforced harsh conditions and rules following their strict interpretation of Sharia.

Under their rule, women had to cover themselves and only leave the house in the company of a male relative. The Taliban also banned girls from attending school, and women from working outside the home. They were also banned from voting.

The Taliban 2.0

This time they are trying to project a degree of maturity to gain international acceptance. However, the ground reality doesn't match up with their words.

A Taliban spokesperson recently said women cannot participate in sports, including cricket, as sports activities are not necessary for women as they would expose their bodies to the media.

Yesterday, a picture clicked by a Reuters journalist went viral on social media, showing a member of the Taliban forces pointing his gun at protesters, as Afghan demonstrators shouted slogans during an anti-Pakistan protest near the Pakistan embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan.