Today: 23 August 2025
12 October 2021
3 mins read

Hardliners could take Taliban to what it was 20 years ago: Imran

Referring to the issue of women’s rights, he said the Taliban should be incentivised to “walk the talk” –pointing out that the group had said it would allow women to work and get educated….reports Asian Lite News

Urging the world to engage with the Taliban, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that there “must be hardliners within the group” (Taliban) and it can easily go back to the Taliban of 20 years ago, which would be a disaster, according to local media.

Imran Khan, in an interview with the Middle East Eye on Monday, said: “The world must engage with Afghanistan.”

According to Dawn, Khan warned of the consequences of not doing so.

“There must be hardliners within the group [and] it can easily go back to the Taliban of 20 years ago. And that would be a disaster,” he said, adding that Afghanistan could once again descend into chaos if no engagements were made and it could become a fertile ground for terrorists like ISIS, which is a worry for all countries in the region.

(Image Source ANI)

“It would be a total waste, what will the US have to show after 20 years? Therefore, a stable Afghanistan government which can then take on ISIS. And Taliban are the best bet to take on ISIS, that is the only option left.”

Asked about the lack of inclusiveness in the Taliban’s interim government, Imran Khan said that it is not present “right now” but hoped it would be in the future, adding that it was needed because Afghanistan was a diverse society, reported Dawn.

Referring to the issue of women’s rights, he said the Taliban should be incentivised to “walk the talk” –pointing out that the group had said it would allow women to work and get educated.

“Yet, the government is clearly trying to get international acceptability so it wants an inclusive government, talks about human rights and not allowing its soil to be used for terrorism by anyone,” Dawn quoted Imran Khan as saying.

Earlier, dozens of Afghan women activists on Sunday held protests in Afghanistan demanding political and social inclusion.

These women sought female representation in the caretaker government of the Taliban and said that they will not stop resisting until their role in the new government is clarified, Tolo News reported.

“Today, October 10, is World Women Solidarity Day with Afghan Women. And women from over 100 countries are due to protest in support of Afghan women,” a protester said.

“The Taliban repeatedly say that women have the right to education, work and political inclusion in the government, and they should show it in practice,” another protester said.

The Taliban have been continuously trying to portray a good image in front of the world while promising rights to women and minorities but the on-ground situation in Afghanistan shows that all these are mere words by the Taliban.

During the protest, a former government employee also expressed frustration with the Taliban and said that the government formed by the group will collapse if women are not included in decision making.

As the Taliban took control of Afghanistan once again after 20 years, experts believe that Afghan women are most likely to face an uncertain future under the group’s regime.

Days ago, veteran women’s rights activist Mehbouba Siraj had also urged the international community to fully support Afghan women amid the deteriorating situation in the war-torn nation, reported Pajhwok Afghan News. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Pak-Taliban ties: Afghan activist warns of risks worse than 9/11

Previous Story

‘Pak economy facing impact of two Afghan wars’

Next Story

Balochistan’s Chitral faces shortage of subsidised wheat

Latest from -Top News

US sanctions more ICC judges

Washington hits at The Hague with fresh sanctions on four ICC judges and prosecutors, including French and Canadian officials, over probes targeting Israel and US actions abroad….reports Asian Lite News The United

UAE Wows Osaka!

The UAE Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka celebrates its three millionth visitor, blending culture, innovation, and hospitality in an immersive showcase of heritage, sustainability, and forward-looking global vision….reports Asian Lite News The

MBS & Sisi talk ties, Palestine

The two leaders reviewed the historic and strategic relations between Riyadh and Cairo and explored new ways to bolster cooperation…reports Asian Lite News Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister HRH Mohammed bin

Dubai’s startup supernova

Marking its 10th year, Expand North Star cements Dubai’s role as a global hub for digital innovation, uniting startups, unicorns, and investors to shape the future economy….reports Asian Lite News Expand North

Qatar: Syria’s stability key to region

Qatar, speaking for the Arab Group at the UN, urged unity and sovereignty for Syria as regional diplomacy, UN warnings, and fragile ceasefires highlight a precarious crossroads….reports Asian Lite News Qatar, speaking
Go toTop

Don't Miss

‘Enforces disappearances in Pakistan failed to move the UN’

Saeeda Baloch, in an interview with Rahul Kumar, says the

Unpacking the Challenges for Pakistan’s Next Government

It is an established fact that addressing structural weaknesses has