Ensure civil liberties

Taliban-2.0 governance is gradually slipping in a déjà vu mode. Some of the latest instructions and policy guidance from the militia hint at adopting stricter regulations, especially pertaining to women’s liberties and restricting their movement at ease. This will certainly cast the Taliban rulers in a bad light as far as the West is concerned, and also bring them under pressure even from their friends and admirers. According to a communique from Kabul, women seeking to travel longer distances must be accompanied by a close male relative, and likewise restrictions were slapped on showing dramas and soap operas on national television. Last but not least, mandatory wearing of hijab, curbs on higher education of girls and a ban on playing music are other aspects that have not gone down well on the broader spectrum.

The surprising notion is that these new guidelines have come weeks after the Taliban exhibited a more generous and liberal module of governance, and embraced minorities and other ethnic communities. What prompted the militia to go back to their rigid protocol of yesteryears is anybody’s guess, and seems to be mired in realpolitik. Taliban are desperate to seek international recognition, and have time and again reminded that release of their legal foreign assets and humanitarian aid are indispensable to keep them going. They have also taken extra steps to project an inclusive outlook of governance, but nothing has touched the benchmark of recognition. The Taliban are still longing for a de jure status in the comity of nations. This could be one factor of irksome behaviour as Taliban try to adopt a more theocratic approach in state business.

Taliban would be well advised to lower the guard on civil liberties, and allow women to become part of the enterprising Afghan public life. Enabling girls to get an education and drive vehicles and giving them permission to work in offices and perform daily chores will be appreciated, and is a must in today’s interdependent lifestyle where men and women together help families to make ends meet. The Saudis have led from the front in reforming their society, and the Taliban should take a cue from them.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 29^th, 2021.

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