No women included as Taliban announces remaining cabinet members
The list was revealed at a press conference in Kabul by government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid. However, no news about the women's ministry was made public.
FollowDespite an international outrage when they revealed their all-male Cabinet members earlier this month, the Taliban published a list of deputy ministers on Tuesday, neglecting to include any women. The list was revealed at a press conference in Kabul by government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid. However, no news about the women's ministry was made public.
Abdul Qayoum Zakir was named deputy defence minister, Nazar Mohammad Mutmaen was named acting president of the National Olympic Committee, and Engineer Najibullah was named atomic energy chief. The Taliban have presented their current Cabinet as an interim administration, implying that change is still conceivable, although they have not said whether elections would be held. In answer to criticisms, Mujahid justified the extended Cabinet composition, claiming that it featured representatives of ethnic minorities such as Hazaras and that women might be included later.
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The list of deputy ministers indicates that foreign criticism has not influenced the Taliban, who are digging down on their present hardline stance despite early assurances of inclusion and respect for women's rights. The international world has cautioned that the Taliban will be judged by their deeds, and that recognition of a Taliban-led government will be tied to how women and minorities are treated. During their previous control in Afghanistan in the late 1990s, the Taliban prohibited girls and women from attending school, working, or participating in public life.
On September 7, the Taliban declared an interim government to rule Afghanistan, led by a founding member, Mohammad Hassan Akhund, as they reclaimed power after two decades. They also appointed numerous Haqqani Network commanders to crucial posts. Sirajuddin Haqqani, the son of the Haqqani Network's founder, has been appointed as Afghanistan's next interior minister. Because of his involvement in suicide attacks and links to al Qaeda, he is one of the FBI's most sought men.
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