In a conversation with India Today Global, Taliban Head of Doha Suhail Shaheen talks about the economic progress amid sanctions. “During the past three years, there has been a lot of progress in various fields, particularly in the economic sector,” he stated. He highlighted the Qosh Tepa Canal project, which aims to irrigate three million acres of land, as a prime example of the governments’s efforts to boost the economy. Infrastructure projects, including the construction of thousands of kilometres of roads, and the establishment of approximately 2,000 factories across the country, were also mentioned as signs of development.
Shaheen underscored the role of women in the economy, noting that over 10,000 business licenses have been issued to women entrepreneurs, a significant increase from the previous regime. However, he acknowledged that the full potential of Afghanistan’s economy has been hampered by ongoing international sanctions. “If we were not under economic sanctions, there would have been more progress,” he asserted.
RECOGNITION AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
When asked about the Taliban government’s lack of international recognition, Shaheen suggested that certain countries use this as a tool of pressure. “We have all the conditions that qualify us for recognition,” he argued, citing the government’s control over the country and the support of the Afghan people. He also touched on cultural differences as a factor in the lack of recognition, particularly regarding women’s education, and called for a more pragmatic approach in international relations.
Shaheen expressed a desire for improved trade relations with neighbouring countries and highlighted India’s historical ties with Afghanistan. He called for renewed cooperation, particularly in completing unfinished projects and addressing the healthcare needs of the Afghan population.
WOMEN’S RIGHTS AND EDUCATION
The issue of women’s rights remains a contentious topic for the Taliban government. While Shaheen downplayed the severity of restrictions on women, he admitted that there is still work to be done. “The picture is not what is being portrayed by some media,” he claimed, pointing out that tens of thousands of women are employed in various sectors, including healthcare, education, and law enforcement.
However, reports of curtailment of women’s rights, particularly in rural areas, persist. Shaheen responded by reiterating that the government’s policies are guided by Islamic rules and the cultural context of Afghanistan. He emphasised that the Taliban’s approach is supported by the vast majority of Afghans, who he described as deeply committed to Islamic values.
SECURITY CONCERNS AND TERRORISM
Shaheen addressed the ongoing security challenges in Afghanistan, particularly the threat of terrorism. He acknowledged that while attacks by groups like ISIS have decreased, the threat has not been entirely eliminated. “There is no physical presence of ISIS in Afghanistan now, though there may be some individuals in the cities,” he explained. Shaheen also criticised the portrayal of Afghanistan as a haven for terrorists, arguing that the Taliban government has made significant efforts to combat terrorism and maintain security.
FOOD SECURITY AND HUMANITARIAN ISSUES
On the topic of food security, Shaheen admitted that Afghanistan faces shortages, largely due to international sanctions. “If there were no sanctions, there would not have been food shortages,” he said. He called on the international community to lift these sanctions, arguing that they disproportionately harm ordinary Afghans rather than the government.
Shaheen also responded to concerns about the impact of food shortages and sanctions on women, who often bear the brunt of such crises. He insisted that the government is taking steps to address the issue, but the underlying problem remains the sanctions.
RELATIONS WITH PAKISTAN AND REGIONAL STABILITY
Relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan, particularly concerning the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), were another focal point of the interview. Shaheen distanced the Taliban government from the TTP, stating that it is “Pakistan’s internal issue” and that Afghanistan is committed to not allowing its territory to be used against any country. He urged Pakistan to resolve its security issues internally and called for regional stability to support Afghanistan’s reconstruction efforts.
MINORITY RIGHTS AND THE RETURN OF AFGHAN SIKHS AND HINDUS
Shaheen was also questioned about the treatment of minorities, particularly Afghan Sikhs and Hindus, who have faced violence and persecution in recent years. He assured that the Taliban government is committed to protecting minority rights, stating, “There is zero discrimination against minorities.” He mentioned that a commission has been established to return property to minorities and invited those who have fled to return to Afghanistan.
However, concerns remain about the safety of these minorities, given the lack of accountability for past attacks. Shaheen dismissed these concerns, insisting that the Taliban government is committed to ensuring the security and rights of all Afghans, regardless of their religious or ethnic background.
As Afghanistan navigates its complex post-takeover landscape, the Taliban government faces significant challenges in gaining international recognition, improving women’s rights, ensuring security, and addressing humanitarian needs. While Shaheen highlighted the progress made under Taliban rule, the international community remains sceptical, particularly regarding human rights and the treatment of minorities. The future of Afghanistan, it seems, will depend on the government’s ability to balance its domestic policies with the demands of the global community.