Taliban Urges Japan To Recognise Its Government

The Taliban’s economy minister has called on Japan to recognise the group’s administration, arguing it would strengthen political, and economic ties between the two sides.

Din Mohammad Hanif made the request in an interview with Japanese broadcaster NHK, saying official recognition would bring economic and political benefits. He added that security in Afghanistan had improved and that Japanese companies now had strong opportunities to invest.

Despite the Taliban’s sweeping restrictions on women, Hanif insisted there were “no problems” regarding women’s rights in Afghanistan. He claimed women faced no threats and said Afghanistan’s religious values should be respected.

So far, Russia is the only country to recognise the Taliban government, a decision analysts believe was driven by security concerns and a lack of alternatives. Other partners, including China, Pakistan and Iran, have accepted Taliban-appointed diplomats but stopped short of granting recognition, describing the prospect as unlikely under current conditions.

The Taliban have also failed in repeated bids to claim Afghanistan’s United Nations seat. Still, the group has portrayed meetings with foreign officials as a sign of acceptance.

The international community has made recognition conditional on the Taliban forming an inclusive government, respecting human rights, committing to counterterrorism, and ensuring women’s right to education and work, as well as establishing a professional administration that represents Afghanistan’s ethnic diversity.

Meanwhile, rights groups have sounded the alarm over the worsening situation for Afghan women. Advocates say Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada has turned Afghanistan into a “prison and hell” for women through more than 100 decrees issued over the past four years, imposing severe bans and restrictions on their daily lives.