Taliban vow to honour women’s

rights but within Islamic law

Insurgents launch publicity blitz to convince wary citizens that they have changed
Associated Press
Kabul

The Taliban vowed on Tues-

day to respect women’s
rights, forgive those who re-
sisted them and ensure a se-
cure Afghanistan as part of a
publicity blitz aimed at con-
vincing world powers and a
fearful population that they
have changed.
Spokesman Zabihullah
Mujahid, who had been a
shadowy figure for years,
promised that the Taliban Sense of relief: Government officials in Jamnagar welcoming Indian nationals on their arrival
would honour women’s from Afghanistan on Tuesday. SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
*

rights, but within the norms

of Islamic law, though he
gave few details. He said the
group wanted private media
to “remain independent”
but stressed that journalists
“should not work against na-
tional values”. He said the in-
surgents would secure Af-
ghanistan — but seek no
revenge against those who
worked with the former go-
vernment or with foreign go-
vernments or forces. “We as-
sure you that nobody will go
to their doors to ask why
they helped.”
The capital of Kabul re-
mained quiet for another
day as the Taliban patrolled
its streets and many resi-
dents stayed home, fearful
after the insurgents’ takeov-
er saw prisons emptied and
armouries looted.

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