Taliban-Controlled National Television Expurgates UN Representative's Face

This policy was conveyed by Hassan Kazemi Qomi, Iran's Special Representative for Afghanistan, during his meeting with Abdul Kabir, the Taliban's Deputy Prime Minister for Political Affairs.

In a statement released on social media on Tuesday, the embassy highlighted that Iran's foreign policy is grounded in principles like independence, territorial integrity, legitimate sovereignty, and non-discriminatory participation. These are part of a broader commitment to stability, prosperity, and good neighborliness.

The Taliban reported that the meeting occurred on Sunday. They quoted Qomi, stating that Iran's foreign policy towards Afghanistan focuses on cooperation with the Taliban government, evidenced by several signed agreements.

Further, the Taliban's statement cited Qomi's assurance that Iran does not support any Taliban opponents and is dedicated to integrating Afghanistan into the regional framework. He also asserted that attempts to sow discord between Iran and Afghanistan would not be successful.

Abdul Kabir emphasized the importance of developing and strengthening Iran-Afghanistan relations. While Iran, like other countries, has not officially recognized the Taliban government, it maintains close ties with the group and has even handed over the Afghan embassy in Tehran to them.

The university announced that it has prepared an educational programme for female students from grades 9 to 12.

AUAF announced the enrollment of applicants and stated that this programme is designed for students who could not complete their studies due to the ban on girls' education in Afghanistan.

This university has called the goal of launching this educational programme to maintain an educated workforce which will provide the foundation of political and economic stability in Afghanistan.

The university also wrote that this programme adheres to the main values of the American University of Afghanistan, including freedom of expression, pluralism, free research, equal opportunities, individual rights, tolerance and dignified personal and professional behaviour.

The university added that the programme is only for students who live in Afghanistan and students who enrol from other countries will not be accepted.

The Taliban has banned millions of girls from going to school and university, and women and girls in Afghanistan live in a difficult situation.

On December 20, 2022, the Ministry of Higher Education of the Taliban had announced that the education of girls in universities would be suspended until further notice.

The group has ignored internal protests and international pressures regarding the ban on girls' education above the sixth grade and university studies.

Officials of the group have said that there is still no suitable situation based on Sharia for the education of girls in Afghanistan.

According to Mujahid, these women were allegedly influenced by external entities to challenge the Taliban's dress code standards in urban areas.

In an interview with TOLOnews, Mujahid stated that the detained women were taken to a nearby location for a few hours, where they were counselled in the presence of their family members before being released.

Mujahid criticised unnamed organisations for reacting to issues based on social media reports without proper verification, calling such responses misguided. He did not specify the number of women recently arrested.

This development follows a series of arrests by the Taliban’s Ministry of Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, particularly targeting young women and girls in various Kabul neighbourhoods, including Dashte Barchi, Taimani, and Khairkhana.

He called for discussions based on facts rather than claims and media narratives between the two countries.

Kabir also aimed to deliver the Taliban's firm message to Islamabad about their commitment of not allowing Afghan soil to be used against other nations, particularly Pakistan.

With the increase in instability in Pakistan, the country has repeatedly accused the Taliban of sheltering the Pakistani Taliban and facilitating attacks against Pakistan from Afghan soil.

Taliban has repeatedly denied these allegations.

The Pakistani government disclosed details about suicide bombers within its borders, indicating that their attacks were planned in Afghanistan.

In response, the Taliban have suggested that Pakistan should address its issues with these militants to avert attacks by the Pakistani Taliban. However, Islamabad has dismissed the Pakistani Taliban's demands as unreasonable.

Islamabad's pressure on the Taliban, especially the deportation of about half a million immigrants, caused the Taliban to invite Fazal-ur-Rehman to visit Kabul. However, it is not clear what message the Taliban is sending to Pakistan through this religious figure who has close relations with the army and intelligence of the country.

According to the Taliban, Fazal-ur-Rehman condemned the deportation of Afghan immigrants in this meeting and emphasised on solving the problems with the Pakistani government through dialogue.

Taliban’s deputy prime minister also urged Pakistan to stop inappropriate behaviour with Afghan immigrants.

Additionally, they received 18-month prison terms.

This statement, shared on the Taliban's user account on X social media platform, stated that the flogging occurred in the court in Kandahar, in front of the people.

The Supreme Court of Taliban has not announced the identity of these individuals.

In July, the Taliban publicly flogged two individuals at Laghman's Eid Gah mosque for having “illicit relationships”.

Human rights organisations and the international community have repeatedly urged the Taliban to cease punishments such as flogging, hand amputation, and execution.

Nonetheless, the Taliban maintains that they are implementing Islamic Sharia law and insist that other countries and international organisations should not interfere in Afghanistan's internal affairs.

Earlier, Afghan Witness, a human rights group, reported that the Taliban had issued and executed orders for the flogging of over 400 individuals within a year.