The Taliban have promised to respect the rights of women albeit ‘within the framework of Islamic law.’ This was announced in a first-ever press conference held by Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid.
Mujahid, who also took the first question from a female reporter, surprised everyone by adopting a conciliatory tone as he said, “We don’t want any internal or external enemies.” This, according to the BBC, was the first time that Mujahid had revealed his face before public.
BBC’ John Simpson tweeted, “I’ve know the Taliban spokesman at today’s press conference in Kabul for many years. Zabihullah Mujahid is a relatively moderate, pleasant man. But he’s seeking to calm the world’s fears, & he only speaks for one part of the Taliban movement.”
I’ve know the Taliban spokesman at today’s press conference in Kabul for many years. Zabihullah Mujahid is a relatively moderate, pleasant man. But he’s seeking to calm the world’s fears, & he only speaks for one part of the Taliban movement.
— John Simpson (@JohnSimpsonNews) August 17, 2021
Journalist Sharif Hassan of iNew York Times too wrote on Twitter, “The photo of Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban spokesman, who was more responsive and active than the entire team of Ghani’s spokespeople — for over a decade. I have spoken with him & texted him a lot. But this is the first time I am seeing his face.”
The photo of Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban spokesman, who was more responsive and active than the entire team of Ghani’s spokespeople — for over a decade. I have spoken with him & texted him a lot. But this is the first time I am seeing his face. pic.twitter.com/6fzRio6QIU
— Sharif Hassan (@MSharif1990) August 17, 2021
The Taliban took control of Afghanistan over the weekend after Kabul fell without any violence. President Ashraf Ghani fled the country soon after the photo of him hugging a Taliban delegation went viral.