Afghanistan's first Vice President Amrullah Saleh has declared himself the caretaker President as Taliban seized control of the country. "As per [the] constitution of Afghanistan, in absence, escape, resignation or death of the President the FVP becomes the caretaker President. I am currently inside my country & am the legitimate care taker President," Saleh tweeted.
Abdul Baradar, who is likely to become Afghanistan's next President, was born in Uruzgan in 1968 and fought against Soviets in 1980s. He was arrested in Pakistan in 2010, however, US asked Pakistan to release Baradar in 2018 so he could lead negotiations in Qatar. Though Haibatullah Akhundzada is the overall leader of Taliban, Baradar is popular face of Taliban.
Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid on Tuesday said that "women's rights will be honoured under Islamic law" in Afghanistan and they won't be discriminated against. Women can work in the health sector and other sectors where they are needed, Mujahid said. The Taliban, which has declared an Islamic Emirate in Afghanistan, earlier asked women to join the government.
Taliban leaders met people from the Hindu and Sikh communities sheltered at a gurdwara in Afghanistan's Kabul and provided them reassurance of safety. More than 320 people, including 50 Hindus and over 270 Sikhs, have taken refuge in Karte Parwan Gurdwara in Kabul in wake of recent developments. Earlier, the MEA assured aid to Hindus and Sikhs stranded in Afghanistan.
Russia's Ambassador to Afghanistan Dmitry Zhirnov has praised Taliban, saying the situation in Kabul under Taliban is better than it was under President Ashraf Ghani. Zhirnov said he was impressed by Taliban's conduct so far, describing their approach as "good, positive and business-like." He added, "The situation is peaceful and good and everything has calmed down in the city."
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