The Taliban government’s Defense Minister, Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid, says Afghanistan will not shape its policies according to the political and economic demands of other countries, and that Afghans will not be forced to accept “slavery.”
Mujahid made the remarks during a ceremony marking the 107th anniversary of Afghanistan’s independence. He urged countries, both near and far, not to attempt to impose their preferred policies on Afghanistan.
He said: “We tell all countries, whether near or far, not to expect Afghans to accept slavery. Do not try to shape Afghanistan’s policies according to your preferences, nor should you expect us to comply with your demands in the economic sphere.”
The Taliban defense minister emphasized that Afghanistan would not yield to the demands of other countries in making its political and economic decisions.
Mujahid’s remarks come amid ongoing tensions between the Taliban government and Pakistan over a number of security and political issues. He had previously said that if Pakistan does not change its policies, the Taliban government would reconsider its position toward the country.
Writer:Saeed Sameer
