Peace is only possible with punishments handed out to people in line with Sharia law, Taliban spokesman, Zabiullah Mujahid said on Tuesday.
In an exclusive interview with Geo News, Mujahid claimed that “this time, a robust investigation will be carried out prior to awarding any punishments”, in reference to the Taliban’s earlier rule, from 1996-2001.
Sheikh-ul-Hadees Haibatullah Akhunzada is alive, is the emir (leader) of the Taliban and will be an integral part of the new system of governance in Afghanistan, the spokesperson said.
Speaking of Panjshir valley, where members of the anti-Taliban National Resistance Front (NRF) are mounting a resistance led by “Lion of Panjshir” Ahmad Massoud, Mujahid said that the Taliban wish to proceed in Afghanistan with peace and reconciliation. “I am 80% confident matters in Panjshir can be resolved through dialogue,” he said.
He said that the people of the valley are war-weary and influential people there have sent the Taliban multiple messages, indicating that they do not wish to see any more fighting.
The Taliban seized control of the Afghan capital, Kabul, on Sunday, August 15, 2021, after which several key government officials, including Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, fled the country.
The Taliban have announced a general amnesty after taking control of Kabul and sent a message to the international community to work with them.