The Supreme spiritual leader of Taliban, Shaikh Haibatullah, late on Wednesday released the policies of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan following the announcement of the interim “Cabinet of the New Islamic Sharia Government in Kabul.”
His assertions are expected to be the long-term policy priorities for the Taliban regime, experts said.
“We want to have a peaceful, prosperous and self-reliant Afghanistan, for which we will strive to eliminate all causes of war and strife in the country, and our countrymen to live in complete security and happiness,” said Haibatullah outlining the Afghan national priority under the new regime.
On the relations with neighbours, he said, “We want strong and healthy relations with our neighbours and all other countries based on mutual respect and interaction. Our relations with those countries will be based on Afghanistan’s highest interests and commitments that do not contradict Islamic Sharia and national values of the country, we urge the countries of the world to value strong and good political relations, diplomatic relations and good relations with us.”
“Dear compatriots: Congratulations on the withdrawal of all foreign forces, the end of the occupation and the complete liberation of the country... We wish paradise to all the martyrs, healing to the wounded and disabled, healing to the imprisoned and all the suffering in the last 20 years of jehadi struggle for the freedom and establishment of the Islamic system of the country,” he said in his statement.
Recalling the contributions of the slain Taliban founder (Amir-ul-Momineen) Mullah Mohammad Omar Mujahd and other such outfit leaders, the spiritual leader said, “The deeds of these leaders and all the heroes and victims of this proud history will be written in golden lines in the pages of history and all Muslims will be proud of them.”
Thanking all the Muslims who have helped the Mujahideen in various ways, he further said, “As a caretaker and committed cabinet has been announced by the authorities of the Islamic Emirate to control and run the affairs of the country well and will start functioning soon, I assure all the countrymen that the figures appointed in the country will do a great job for the protection of Islamic rules and Sharia law in the country, the highest interests of the country, the borders and interests of Afghanistan and for lasting peace, prosperity and development.”
He said 20 years of jihad had two major goals-- to end foreign occupation and aggression and to liberate the country, and to establish a complete, independent, stable, central Islamic system in the country.
“The Islamic Emirate will take serious and effective steps in granting human rights, the rights of minorities as well as the rights of the disadvantaged within the framework of the demands of the revealed religion of Islam. All Afghans, without distinction or exception, will have the right to a dignified and peaceful life in their own country, their heads, property, honour and dignity will be protected,” he added.