Afghanistan: Taliban hold news conference

After taking over Afghanistan and “urging” government officials to get back to work, the Taliban have held their much anticipated news conference.

This is their first news conference from Kabul and they covered a wide range of issues.

In a first, their spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid said women will be very active in the society. The 90s’ Taliban rule brings a dark past for the Afghan women, where even thinking of going outside your room or house was illegal and strictly prohibited. Women he said will be allowed to work as long as it is within the spectrum of Sharia law.

He said they will be happy if women live according to Sharia law, and the women will be happy too if the Taliban are happy.

In a bewildering statement Mujahid warned the media not to work against the Taliban while also promising that the they would allow all private media to continue their operations and work “independently” from within Afghanistan.

After being asked whether they would let Al Qaeda and other militants run operations from Afghanistan. Mujahid ascertained that the Taliban would not allow “Afghanistan’s land to be used against anyone.”

According to him, entering the city by force was to ensure the security of the people living in Kabul, and they would now halt their advance so that a new government and framework can be formed. Mujahid has also declared the Taliban will not go for revenge against those who worked for foreign forces, and the announcement for a pardon was to bring stability and ensure those who worked for foreign powers are safe.

The Taliban are working on forming a new government and an announcement will mark the official beginning of their rule.