Acting Afghan Higher Education Minister Abdul Baqi Haqqani on Sunday said ''co-education is against Islamic values.''

During a press conference in Kabul, he said that his government does not oppose women's education but rather the concept of men and women studying together.

"We are working on building an Islamic environment where women could study... it might take some time," he added.

However, he did not specify when girls might return to school and university classes across the country.

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/dont-politicise-education-and-right-to-work-afghan-women-protest-against-taliban-government-422880" hreflang="en">'Don't politicise education and right to work:' Afghan women protest against Taliban government</a>

Blasting the decision, Heather Barr, the associate director of women's rights in the Human Rights Watch, said "This new order essentially moves... further in the direction of making women prisoners."

It "shuts off opportunities for them to be able to move about freely, to travel to another city, to do business, (or) to be able to flee if they are facing violence in the home", Barr added.&nbsp;

It comes despite the hardline Islamists seeking to project a moderate image internationally in a bid to restore aid suspended when the previous government imploded during the final stages of a US military withdrawal.

Meanwhile, the Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice has issued a guidance that women seeking to travel long distances should not be offered road transport unless they are accompanied by a close male relative.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-women-cant-travel-long-distances-without-male-relative-taliban-440129" hreflang="en">Afghan women can't travel long distances without male relative: Taliban</a>

The Taliban have faced heavy criticism for keeping women and girls out of employment and education and excluding broad sections of Afghan society from the government.&nbsp;

They have television dramas that included female actors and ordering women news presenters to wear "Islamic hijab".

The Taliban's definition of the hijab, which can range from a hair covering to a face veil or full-body covering, is unclear, and most Afghan women already wear headscarves.

The international community has accused them of trampling on human rights and, despite their promise of amnesty, targeting officials of the former administration.

However, acting Afghan foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi said the government had restored peace and security and done much to address demands for more inclusiveness with respect for human rights, including the rights of women.

"All must acknowledge that political isolation of Afghanistan is not beneficial for anyone, therefore it is imperative that all support the prevailing stability and back it both politically and economically," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Acting Afghan Higher Education Minister Abdul Baqi Haqqani on Sunday said ''co-education is against Islamic values.'' During a press conference in Kabul, he said that his government does not oppose women's education but rather the concept of men and women studying together.

Acting Afghan Higher Education Minister Abdul Baqi Haqqani on Sunday said ''co-education is against Islamic values.'' During a press conference in Kabul, he said that his government does not oppose women's education but rather the concept of men and women studying together. "We are working on building an Islamic environment where women could study... it might take some time," he added. However, he did not specify when girls might return to school and university classes across the country. Also see | 'Don't politicise education and right to work:' Afghan women protest against Taliban government Blasting the decision, Heather Barr, the associate director of women's rights in the Human Rights Watch, said "This new order essentially moves... further in the direction of making women prisoners." It "shuts off opportunities for them to be able to move about freely, to travel to another city, to do business, (or) to be able to flee if they are facing violence in the home", Barr added. It comes despite the hardline Islamists seeking to project a moderate image internationally in a bid to restore aid suspended when the previous government imploded during the final stages of a US military withdrawal. Meanwhile, the Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice has issued a guidance that women seeking to travel long distances should not be offered road transport unless they are accompanied by a close male relative. Also read | Afghan women can't travel long distances without male relative: Taliban The Taliban have faced heavy criticism for keeping women and girls out of employment and education and excluding broad sections of Afghan society from the government. They have television dramas that included female actors and ordering women news presenters to wear "Islamic hijab". The Taliban's definition of the hijab, which can range from a hair covering to a face veil or full-body covering, is unclear, and most Afghan women already wear headscarves. The international community has accused them of trampling on human rights and, despite their promise of amnesty, targeting officials of the former administration. However, acting Afghan foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi said the government had restored peace and security and done much to address demands for more inclusiveness with respect for human rights, including the rights of women. "All must acknowledge that political isolation of Afghanistan is not beneficial for anyone, therefore it is imperative that all support the prevailing stability and back it both politically and economically," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghan education minister says co-education is against Islamic values

With the new government in place in Afghanistan, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-will-judge-taliban-by-its-actions-says-us-on-new-government-411468">Taliban's </a>supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada said that the government will work towards upholding Sharia law.

"In the future, all matters of governance and life in Afghanistan will be regulated by the laws of the Holy Sharia,"&nbsp;Akhundzada said in a statement.

Akhundzada added that the new leadership would ensure peace and development and that the Islamic Emirate has no problem with anyone. The Taliban leader also asserted that all will take part in strengthening the system and will rebuild the&nbsp;war-torn country.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/taliban-fighter-points-gun-at-afghan-woman-protesting-against-non-inclusive-government-411547">In Pics: Taliban fighter points gun at Afghan woman protesting against non-inclusive government</a>

"I assure all the countrymen that the figures will work hard towards upholding Islamic rules and Sharia law in the country. The Islamic Emirate has no problem with anyone. Everyone will take part in strengthening the system and Afghanistan and in this way, we will rebuild our war-torn country," Akhundzada said.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/taliban-establishes-caretaker-government-in-afghanistan-411494/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

On the foreign policy, the statement said Afghanistan wants a healthy relationship with the world based on mutual respect while adding that it was committed to upholding all international laws and treaties not in conflict with Islamic law. It also assured that the country will not be used to harm any other country and promised safety for foreign diplomats, NGOs and businesses in the country.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-government-sirajuddin-haqqani-on-fbi-wanted-list-other-key-members-on-un-blacklist-411531">Also Read: In govt, Sirajuddin Haqqani on FBI wanted list</a>

The new government also promised to work towards improving media quality in the country and said that it is their duty to have impartiality in broadcasts but with the caveat that it should be in line with both Islamic law and take into account "national interests".

The 33 member Taliban cabinet has one Uzbek - Abdul Salam Hanafi who is the deputy head of state and two Tjiks - Qari Fasih, the Army chief and Qari Din Muhammad Hanif, the economic affairs minister.

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The 33 member Taliban cabinet has 1 Uzbek - Abdul Salam Hanafi, The deputy head of State and 2 Tajiks - Qari Fasih, the Army Chief and Qari Din Muhammad Hanif, The Economic Affairs minister - the inclusivity as per Taliban. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghanistan</a>
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There was no mention of any policies towards women's rights in Akhundzada's statement even as the Taliban promised an inclusive government none of the government appointees were women.

In fact, all the top positions were handed to leaders from the Taliban and the Haqqani Network which is the most violent branch of the Taliban known for devastating suicide attacks.

In Herat, demonstrators marched and waved the Afghan flag as some chanted "freedom". Two people were reportedly killed as the Taliban dispersed the crowd.

In Kabul, there were anti-Pakistan protests as Taliban guards fired shots to disperse the crowds. There were no reports of any casualties, however, the Taliban warned the public against taking to the streets saying that until the laws for protests have been explained&nbsp;no one should protest.

(With inputs from Agencies)

With the new government in place in Afghanistan, the Taliban's supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada said that the government will work towards upholding Sharia law.

With the new government in place in Afghanistan, the Taliban's supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada said that the government will work towards upholding Sharia law. "In the future, all matters of governance and life in Afghanistan will be regulated by the laws of the Holy Sharia," Akhundzada said in a statement. Akhundzada added that the new leadership would ensure peace and development and that the Islamic Emirate has no problem with anyone. The Taliban leader also asserted that all will take part in strengthening the system and will rebuild the war-torn country. In Pics: Taliban fighter points gun at Afghan woman protesting against non-inclusive government "I assure all the countrymen that the figures will work hard towards upholding Islamic rules and Sharia law in the country. The Islamic Emirate has no problem with anyone. Everyone will take part in strengthening the system and Afghanistan and in this way, we will rebuild our war-torn country," Akhundzada said. Watch: On the foreign policy, the statement said Afghanistan wants a healthy relationship with the world based on mutual respect while adding that it was committed to upholding all international laws and treaties not in conflict with Islamic law. It also assured that the country will not be used to harm any other country and promised safety for foreign diplomats, NGOs and businesses in the country. Also Read: In govt, Sirajuddin Haqqani on FBI wanted list The new government also promised to work towards improving media quality in the country and said that it is their duty to have impartiality in broadcasts but with the caveat that it should be in line with both Islamic law and take into account "national interests". The 33 member Taliban cabinet has one Uzbek - Abdul Salam Hanafi who is the deputy head of state and two Tjiks - Qari Fasih, the Army chief and Qari Din Muhammad Hanif, the economic affairs minister. The 33 member Taliban cabinet has 1 Uzbek - Abdul Salam Hanafi, The deputy head of State and 2 Tajiks - Qari Fasih, the Army Chief and Qari Din Muhammad Hanif, The Economic Affairs minister - the inclusivity as per Taliban. #Afghanistan — Anas Mallick (@AnasMallick) September 8, 2021 × There was no mention of any policies towards women's rights in Akhundzada's statement even as the Taliban promised an inclusive government none of the government appointees were women. In fact, all the top positions were handed to leaders from the Taliban and the Haqqani Network which is the most violent branch of the Taliban known for devastating suicide attacks. In Herat, demonstrators marched and waved the Afghan flag as some chanted "freedom". Two people were reportedly killed as the Taliban dispersed the crowd. In Kabul, there were anti-Pakistan protests as Taliban guards fired shots to disperse the crowds. There were no reports of any casualties, however, the Taliban warned the public against taking to the streets saying that until the laws for protests have been explained no one should protest. (With inputs from Agencies)

Taliban government lists agenda on Sharia law, media quality & foreign policy

Hamdullah Nomani the newly appointed mayor of Kabul imposed Sharia law in the Afghan capital, Afghan news reports said as the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/as-taliban-gain-complete-control-of-afghanistan-kabul-residents-hold-on-to-hope-for-a-peaceful-future-409727">Taliban </a>set about consolidating its control over&nbsp;Afghanistan.

Nomani reportedly said companies will be paid their dues and corrupt officials will be dwelt with in accordance with Sharia law,&nbsp;according to Pajhwok Afghan news. The development comes amid reports of corruption in Kabul's municipality.

Taliban had earlier ordered banks to reopen in the country with withdrawals of $200 or 20,000 Afghanis allowed weekly.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/taliban-to-announce-new-cabinet-hibatullah-akhundzada-to-approve-final-cabinet-409850/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid had said earlier that officials have been appointed to run key institutions including public health and education ministry including the central bank.

The spokesman added that the new cabinet would be appointed "in one or two weeks" even as the country recovers from the chaos at Kabul airport amid the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pentagon-refutes-reports-claiming-the-us-left-military-dogs-in-kabul-409628">US </a>pullout as the Taliban stormed into the capital on August 15.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/we-expect-us-to-reopen-embassy-in-kabul-have-trade-relations-taliban-409822">Also Read:&nbsp;We expect US to reopen embassy in Kabul, have trade relations, says&nbsp;Taliban</a>

The Afghan currency has reportedly plummeted amid the chaos of the last two weeks with rising food prices hitting the people as banks remained shut for two weeks after the Taliban came to power in Afghanistan.

"The fall of Afghani against foreign currency is temporary and it is because of the situation that suddenly changed, it will come back to normal once the government system starts functioning," Mujahid had said earlier as the country battles economic hardships with major Western countries pulling out their personnel from the capital.

Meanwhile, Qatar said isolating the Taliban would lead to further instability while urging countries to engage with the group.

"If we are starting to put conditions and stopping this engagement, we are going to leave a vacuum, and the question is, who is going to fill this vacuum?," Sheikh Mohammed said in Doha.

The Taliban hasn't been officially recognised so far by any country since they entered Kabul on August 15 even as Qatar's Sheikh Mohammed said the militant group had shown openness towards the idea of an inclusive government.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Hamdullah Nomani the newly appointed mayor of Kabul imposed Sharia law in the Afghan capital, Afghan news reports said as the Taliban set about consolidating its control over Afghanistan.

Hamdullah Nomani the newly appointed mayor of Kabul imposed Sharia law in the Afghan capital, Afghan news reports said as the Taliban set about consolidating its control over Afghanistan. Nomani reportedly said companies will be paid their dues and corrupt officials will be dwelt with in accordance with Sharia law, according to Pajhwok Afghan news. The development comes amid reports of corruption in Kabul's municipality. Taliban had earlier ordered banks to reopen in the country with withdrawals of $200 or 20,000 Afghanis allowed weekly. Watch: Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid had said earlier that officials have been appointed to run key institutions including public health and education ministry including the central bank. The spokesman added that the new cabinet would be appointed "in one or two weeks" even as the country recovers from the chaos at Kabul airport amid the US pullout as the Taliban stormed into the capital on August 15. Also Read: We expect US to reopen embassy in Kabul, have trade relations, says Taliban The Afghan currency has reportedly plummeted amid the chaos of the last two weeks with rising food prices hitting the people as banks remained shut for two weeks after the Taliban came to power in Afghanistan. "The fall of Afghani against foreign currency is temporary and it is because of the situation that suddenly changed, it will come back to normal once the government system starts functioning," Mujahid had said earlier as the country battles economic hardships with major Western countries pulling out their personnel from the capital. Meanwhile, Qatar said isolating the Taliban would lead to further instability while urging countries to engage with the group. "If we are starting to put conditions and stopping this engagement, we are going to leave a vacuum, and the question is, who is going to fill this vacuum?," Sheikh Mohammed said in Doha. The Taliban hasn't been officially recognised so far by any country since they entered Kabul on August 15 even as Qatar's Sheikh Mohammed said the militant group had shown openness towards the idea of an inclusive government. (With inputs from Agencies)

Taliban's newly appointed Kabul mayor imposes Sharia law