AT Kabul: On Wednesday, the Taliban declared the conclusion of a two-day cabinet meeting in Kandahar province, under the leadership of Hebatullah Akhundzada. Notably absent from the discussions were topics concerning women’s rights to work and access education, as well as their participation in society.

 While the Taliban’s statement did not delve into the meeting’s specifics, it disclosed talks on issues such as migrant repatriation, the development of diplomatic relations to address existing challenges, import-export and transit concerns, and the maintenance of the Taliban’s monetary policy.

The statement underscored the Taliban leader’s focus on strengthening ties with other nations to address the ongoing crisis. Acting ministers of defense and interior participated, while three cabinet members were conspicuously absent due to provincial commitments, as clarified by Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid.

Despite more than two years passing since women and girls were stripped of their right to work and education in Afghanistan, this “cabinet meeting” did not broach the critical issue. Previously, Zabihullah Mujahid had spoken about efforts to draft a constitution outlining the rights and obligations of the Afghan people. However, constitutional discussions were notably absent from this specific “cabinet meeting,” according to the statement.

 The international community, particularly Muslim nations, has consistently stressed the fundamental rights of the Afghan people, advocating for women and girls’ right to education and the establishment of an all-inclusive government in Afghanistan. Nonetheless, the Taliban persists in prioritizing the enforcement of Islamic Sharia and adherence to “Afghan culture” as the guiding principles for governance and securing rights.

Culled from Afghanistan Times