Rights For Women Based On Islam, Advisory For Media: Taliban's First Presser After Kabul Seizure

"We want to assure our neighbouring countries that our land will not be misused against them. The international community should also recognize our government," Mujahid said.

Kabul: Days after taking control of Afghanistan, Taliban on Tuesday held their first press conference at the Government Media and Information Centre (GMIC) in Kabul. While addressing the media, Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban's spokesperson congratulated all Afghan people for 'ending the American occupation'.

"We want to assure our neighbouring countries that our land will not be misused against them. The international community should also recognize our government," Mujahid said.

"We want to assure the security of international embassies and organisations in Kabul. Our plan was to stop at the gates of Kabul after capturing the rest of the areas, but unfortunately, the previous government was incompetent. They could not provide security. We will provide security to all foreign organisations now. We do not seek any enemies, either inside or outside Afghanistan," he said. 

Mujahid said they have pardoned everyone and will not take revenge against anyone, including former military members and those who worked with the foreign forces. "No one will search their house," he added. 

He further said that they want all media outlets to continue their activities. They have three suggestions: No broadcast should contradict Islamic values, they should be impartial, no one should broadcast anything that goes against our national interests.

"We would like to assure our neighbours and regional countries that we will not allow our territory to be used against any country in the world. Global community should rest assured that we are committed that you will not be harmed anyway from our soil," the spokesperson added.

In response to a question about differences between the 1990s Taliban and today's, Mujahid said the ideology and beliefs are the same because they are Muslims, but there is a change in terms of experience--they are more experienced and have a different perspective.

Mujahid also said that Taliban can assure the world that Afghanistan will no longer be a hub for poppy cultivation or for the drug business, and they need the world's support to promote an alternative for poppy cultivation.