Taliban the new rulers of Afghanistan

Taliban has taken over the control of Kabul; an event which has deep and long lasting effects on international and regional canvas. In the war on terror, the Taliban regime was overthrown by US and Allied NATO forces back in 2001. In Jan 2021 Joe Biden resumed the presidential office and announced the end of war in Afghanistan. With this declaration USA and NATO started pulling out their foot soldiers from Afghan soil in July.

This decision painted a new picture in Afghanistan, immediately the Taliban started the taking over of Afghanistan from Northern cities. Afghan forces have been trained by America since the last couple of years to tackle the situation after the withdrawal of US forces but in just three weeks, Afghanistan was under the control of the Taliban. In Kabul, Taliban entered the presidential palace which was evacuated by Afghan former president Ashraf Ghani on August 15. Taliban declared Afghanistan as “Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan” which means future laws and punishments of the country will base on the Islamic System (according to their own interpretation).   

Taliban has a long history of torture and violence against all other opposition parties, small groups and minorities inside Afghanistan. In 90s, the international community witnessed the worst human rights violations in Afghanistan which included, women rights violations, stoning to death, hanging till death and public executions. These actions by the former Taliban state have terrified the world from them.

As the Taliban declared, Kabul bowed to them; there was severe panic in the city. Hundreds and thousands of people reached Kabul airport to leave the country as these people were frightened from the hostile and aggressive treatment of Taliban. Nervous people entered the Kabul airport and tried to flee from Afghanistan. More than 640 people were evacuated in C-17 American cargo aircraft to Qatar. Three people lost their lives as they were hanging with wings and bodies of aircraft. As C-17 took-off from Kabul they were dropped down to ground from a high altitude and died on the spot.

On this day Taliban spokesman Sohail Shaheen in Qatar office told media, “Taliban has been directed not to enter any house in Kabul, do not take revenge, do not snatch vehicles from people, Taliban entered in Kabul to protect the people.”

Pakistan is a neighboring country to Afghanistan and a stakeholder in Afghan peace. International community has contacted Pakistani premier Imran Khan and Pakistani foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qurashi on the fluctuating situation in Afghanistan.

Pakistani foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qurashi said, “The decision of recognition of the Taliban regime is linked with international opinion and reaction.  Pakistan is committed to support a nonviolent settlement in Afghanistan”. Mr. Qurashi said that the latest situation in Afghanistan required the international community’s consistent engagement with the Afghan leaders to ensure a peaceful and stable Afghanistan. “A wide-ranging political settlement is the top way forward for stability and sustainable peace in Afghanistan. For the international community it was equally important to remain engaged in backing the Afghan people for humanitarian assistance and economic sustenance.” foreign minister added.

After taking over Afghanistan, in the first official press conference in Kabul, they declared that they wish for peaceful relations with other countries.

Zabeeh ullah Mujahid, the Taliban spokesman, assured they would respect women’s rights, forgive those who resisted them and ensure a secure Afghanistan as part of a publicity blitz aimed at convincing world powers and a fearful population that they have changed.

Talking about the current situation, Mr. Mujahid said, “We took over the control of Afghanistan which means war has ended in the country. We have pardoned everyone including all those who had battled against us. We don’t want to repeat any conflict anymore. We will not take revenge from any former military persons or anyone who was working with allied forces as translator/ interpreter. No one will enter their homes to search. Now Taliban are not enemies to anyone anymore. Dialogues are going on to establish a strong Islamic state. We are expecting a strong, Islamic and inclusive government in the country. No one is allowed to use Afghan soil against anyone including our neighbors. We ensure security and protection to all diplomatic missions in Kabul. We expect the international community will talk to us directly but at the same time the world has to respect our religious guidelines as we sacrificed a lot for our freedom. Media is free in Afghanistan but it has to follow the footprints of Islamic values. We will work for the betterment of the Afghan people. Talented youth is our asset and we will not encourage brain drain. This youth stays here in Afghanistan and serves the nation and state.”

On the developing situation of Afghanistan, Pakistani premier Imran Khan said, “A sustainable and peaceful Afghanistan is the need of the day, and regional peace is also tied with the Afghan situation. It is important that basic human rights and security must be ensured to Afghan people. Pakistan is closely monitoring this whole episode. Pakistan is also engaged with regional and international stakeholders. International community should focus on the economic condition and reconstruction process in Afghanistan”.

Although the situation is getting better in Afghanistan and Taliban are treating their countrymen more positively, still some critics believe that after complete transformation of power and control on the government, Taliban will impose a hard and harsh version of government in the country. Future prosperity of the region is linked to peace in Afghanistan. If they (Taliban) repeat the same episode of the 90s era, it would be difficult for the global community to recognize them as the true representative and real government of the Afghan people.