Afghanistan crisis: Taliban spokesperson says Afghan women are allowed to work and study

The world witnessed a rapid takeover by the insurgent Islamic group Taliban in war-torn Afghanistan at the heels of the withdrawal of US troops and NATO forces in the region. The spokesperson for the insurgent group addressed a number of concerns in a news conference, among them regarding women’s rights.

The insurgent group held a publicity blitz this week in the hopes of convincing world leaders along with the people of Afghanistan that their beliefs have changed. Many Afghans remain skeptical of the so-called change, leading to the chaos that occurred in Kabul airport with the US military jets. Following their rapid advancement towards Kabul and takeover of the country’s provincial capitals, the Taliban are now looking to show that their views have become more moderate compared to the ultraconservative beliefs the group held during their reign in the 1990s.

Along with others, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid, who was a shadowy figure of the insurgent group for years, said that they pledged to honor women’s rights, along with forgiving those who have resisted them and ensuring peace in the region. Mujahid said the Taliban would honor the rights of women in keeping with Islamic norms. Mujahid added that the group would want private media outlets to work independently but stressed that the journalists should not go against the national values.

“We assure you that nobody will go to their doors to ask why they helped,” said Mujahid, regarding those who have worked for the foreign governments or forces and the former government of Afghanistan.

Mujahid’s comments follow the statements made by another spokesperson of the insurgent group, Enamullah Samangani, who said that the Taliban would extend “amnesty” while encouraging women to join the government.

Another spokesperson for the Taliban also said this week that the 20-year war in the region is now over. Speaking with Al-Jazeera Mubasher TV the previous weekend, Mohammad Naeem said that the Taliban will not target any diplomatic body or headquarters. Naeem also assured that the Taliban will provide safety for its citizens and diplomatic missions.

“We are ready to have a dialogue with all Afghan figures and will guarantee them the necessary protection,” Naeem told the outlet, adding that the group is determined to make peace with everyone, taking their steps to ensuring it seriously.