Three Years of Taliban Rule: Mujahid Says Sharia Is Group's 'Primary Priority'

In a statement marking the third anniversary of the Taliban's takeover of power in Afghanistan, Zabihullah Mujahid the group's spokesperson said that the implementation of Sharia is the "primary responsibility and priority" of the Taliban.

Mujahid also stated that the group will "strongly protect and defend" its regime” at any cost”.

Over the past three years, the international community has repeatedly urged the Taliban to lift restrictions on the work and education of women and girls. The Taliban, however, have dismissed these criticisms as "interference" in their internal affairs and have claimed they are acting according to Sharia.

In a statement released on Wednesday, August 14, the Taliban claimed that now there is "peace and security" in Afghanistan.

Opponents of the Taliban have warned that failure to comply with the people's demands will lead to inevitable conflict.

Mohammad Mohaqiq, who heads the Political Committee of National Resistance Council for the Salvation of Afghanistan, said in a statement on August 14 that the Taliban has not respected the people's demands.

The Taliban took control of Kabul on August 15, 2021, after former President Ashraf Ghani fled the country, seizing power.

Three years into the Taliban's rule in Afghanistan, no country has officially recognised the group's government. The Taliban have not responded positively to domestic and international demands regarding the type of government, elections, democracy, and human rights.

While the Taliban celebrate August 14 as their "Victory Day," many Afghan citizens consider it a "dark day” in Afghanistan.