The Taliban held their first official news conference in Kabul on Tuesday since the shock seizure of the city, declaring they wanted peaceful relations with other countries and would respect the rights of women within the framework of Islamic law. He said private media could continue to be free and independent in Afghanistan, adding the Taliban was committed to the media within its cultural framework. There has been widespread criticism of the US withdrawal amid the chaotic scenes at Kabul airport. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said "the images of despair at Kabul airport shame the political West". Under a US troops withdrawal pact struck last year, the Taliban agreed not to attack foreign forces as they leave.

Source: The Express Tribune August 17, 2021 15:57 UTC