ISLAMABAD (AP) — Taliban Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akunzada released a statement saying the government has taken important steps to improve the lives of Afghan women. This is surprising considering the long history of banning women from public life and work and the severe restrictions on girls’ education.
Akunzada’s post was posted ahead of the Eid al-Adha holiday, which will be celebrated in Afghanistan and other Muslim countries this weekend. Akunzada is known for his reclusive tendencies in the heart of the Taliban in Afghanistan’s Kandahar province and rarely appears in public. He likes to surround himself with religious scholars and like-minded allies who share his views on limiting women’s rights to education and employment. Prime Minister Akunzada announced in his Eid message that the Emirate has taken concrete steps to ensure respect for Sharia rights while also liberating women from traditional oppression, including forced marriage. painting. down. She added that necessary measures are being taken to improve the quality of life of women, who represent half of society, in line with the principles of Islamic Shariah law.
However, recent developments have seen Akunzada exert a greater influence on domestic politics, including a ban on girls’ education after sixth grade and an increase in public life and employment for women. Afghanistan, especially in US state and NGOs. , showing that it leads to the elimination of opportunities for women.
This message has been delivered in five languages:
Arabic, Dari, English, Pashto, Urdu. Akunzada assured that the restrictions of the 20 years of occupation, including restrictions on wearing headscarves and allegations of “illegal activities”, would soon be resolved. “Women’s status as free and respected human beings has been restored, and all institutions have been tasked with assisting women in exercising their rights, including marriage and inheritance. ,” he added.
Initially, the Taliban promised a more moderate approach than their previous regime in the 1990s, but have taken tougher action since taking over Afghanistan in August 2021 after US forces and NATO withdrew. I imposed on women access to public places such as parks and gymnasiums, and restricted freedom of the press. These measures have drawn international criticism and deepened the country’s isolation at an already difficult time with economic collapse and a worsening humanitarian crisis.
Akunzada reiterated his call for foreign non-interference in Afghanistan’s internal affairs. He stressed that the Taliban government wishes to have positive economic and political relations with the international community, especially with Muslim countries, and affirmed that it has fulfilled its responsibility in this regard. In his message, Akunzada also condemned Israel’s treatment of the Palestinians, and called on the people and government of Sudan to resolve their differences and work together for solidarity and brotherhood. Despite these claims, questions remain about the Taliban’s efforts to protect women’s rights and ensure a prosperous future for Afghan women.
