Taliban spokesman promises a secure Afghanistan

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid speaks at at his first news conference in Kabul, Afghanistan. Pic AP/PTI

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.

Zabihullah Mujahid also talked about protecting women's rights. 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 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. 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 honoured under Islamic law. When they last held power, the Taliban severely restricted women's lives.

Also Read: Taliban take over Afghanistan: What we know and what's next

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