Kabul: The Taliban have said that the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s (NATO) time of force shows is over, and that the alliance must now deal with the Taliban through diplomacy.
In an interview with Ariana News, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said, “For a while, the NATO Secretary-General may feel his pain and talk about their failures, but they should know that the time for attacks is over; it was proven twenty years ago that these actions did not work and should be dealt with through diplomacy.”
Last week, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg stated that they must be attentive in watching developments in Afghanistan and constantly monitor attempts to resurrect international terrorist organisations.
“That means to hold the Taliban government accountable for their promises on terrorism, … but also to be ready to strike over the horizon, long-distance, and to stay vigilant as NATO allies, to follow and monitor closely any attempt to reconstitute international terrorist groups in Afghanistan aiming at us.”
Mujahid stated in the interview that the Taliban will never allow the country to be exploited as a staging ground for proxy battles between world powers. Regarding the country’s economic situation, Mujahid noted that conversations were underway with other regional countries, notably Uzbekistan, for assistance, particularly in commerce.
Last week, a promising deal was made with Iran on gasoline and food exports, as well as rail and border security, according to the spokeswoman. In response to accusations that Pakistan is intervening in Afghanistan, the spokesperson stated that the organisation does not accept any interference.
“I have to state unequivocally that we do not want anyone, including Pakistan, to intervene. We are a sovereign nation. These interventions are not acceptable to us. Pakistan is a different country from the rest of the world. “We don’t want to meddle in their problems, and they can’t meddle in Afghanistan’s,” Mujahid said.
In terms of women’s rights, Mujahid stated that the interim administration will consider granting women the right to education and employment, but that this will need to be discussed with Islamic experts first.
“There is a need in society; women also need jobs,” says the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. “In order to discuss the issue, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has shared the issue with Islamic Ulema.”
Since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, a few countries, including China and Pakistan, have expressed interest in forging ties with the group. Others in the international community are taking a wait-and-see approach.
(With inputs from The Siasat Daily.)
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The Chenab Times News Desk