Kabul: The apprehensions regarding the Taliban's potential regression of Afghanistan's progress seem to be materializing. Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada, the leader of the Taliban, declared through a voice message aired on state television that Afghanistan would witness public floggings and stonings for women accused of adultery.

He also affirmed the Taliban's commitment to opposing Western democracy, as reported. In his address, Akhundzada emphasized that the international community's advocacy for women's rights contradicts the Taliban's rigid interpretation of Islamic Sharia law. "Do women truly desire the rights propagated by the West? Such rights oppose Sharia and the clerical doctrines that overthrew Western democracy," stated the Taliban leader in Afghanistan.

"I conveyed to the Mujahedin that we've fought against Western forces for two decades, and we are prepared to continue this struggle for another 20 years or more. The conflict did not conclude with your departure; we are not merely sitting idle now. We are steadfast in implementing Sharia across our land. The struggle did not conclude upon our takeover of Kabul. No, we are now executing Sharia," says Akhundzada.

"You may deem it a violation of women's rights when we subject them to public stoning. Nevertheless, we shall soon enforce the punishment for adultery. We shall publicly flog women. We shall publicly stone them to death," Akhundzada boldly addressed Western authorities in the televised message. He reiterated their commitment to Islamic law, dismissing Western notions of women's rights, as per The report.

The invasion of Afghanistan by the US-led coalition in 2001 ousted the Taliban regime from power, but they persisted. The Western-backed government that governed for two decades collapsed, leading to the Taliban's resurgence. Upon seizing power in 2021, the Taliban exacted reprisals against collaborators of the previous regime and international forces. The Taliban reinstated their severe interpretation of Islamic law, reminiscent of their rule from 1996 to 2001. During that period, women were barred from education and employment outside the home.

Women were mandated to wear burqas and required male escorts for outdoor movement. The Taliban banned music, enforced amputations for theft, and carried out public executions.

TALA ASSERTS WOMEN ARE IMPRISONED BY THE TALIBAN

The Taliban leader's statements have evoked outrage among Afghans, who are deeply concerned about the erosion of women's rights and safety in the country.Tala, a former government employee from Kabul, expressed apprehension and dismay, describing the daily imposition of restrictions and regulations on women. "As a woman, I feel increasingly insecure and vulnerable in Afghanistan. Each day brings a new set of directives and regulations that curtail our freedoms and extinguish any hope for a better future," lamented Tala. "We, the women, feel trapped, and the Taliban are tightening their grip with each passing day," she added.

Despite the Taliban's assurances of a more moderate administration and leniency upon seizing power, the reality has been starkly different. They swiftly reverted to severe public punishments akin to those seen in the 1990s, including public executions and lashings. The United Nations has vehemently condemned the Taliban's actions and urged their leadership to cease such practices.

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