Who is not aware of Pakistan’s right-wing’s in-built strong affection and blessings for Taliban which is quite evident from their years-long resistance against any operation in North Waziristan? However, once army made up its mind that ‘enough is enough’ and launched Operation Zarb-e-Azb, there was not much the right-wing political and religious parties could have done; all had to reluctantly back the operation. But perhaps it takes decades or may be centuries to change the mindset. Whenever they get a chance, they still reminisce on the days of ‘peace, stability and justice’ during Taliban rule in the Afghanistan of 90s. That’s why there was a sense of satisfaction and pride when Kanduz fell to Taliban last month.
Being a large northern metropolis, the fall of Kanduz was a serious blow for Kabul and its allies. Taliban ruled the city for almost two weeks before being kicked out but left a lasting impression that time has not changed them even an iota. Soon after occupying the city, they were off to track the working women – women running businesses, working in offices, associated with radio and electronic media. Smart enough this time, Taliban were using stolen information from data banks to haunt and punish those who were working ‘in violation of Sharia rules’.
They were also after the women shelters wherein poor souls take refuge from the domestic violence or getting victim of honor killings. For Taliban such shelters were centres of ‘immorality’. Several women had to escape to safety as later shelters were burned down to ashes. In fact for Taliban, working or no-working, women are spoils of war and it’s justified if they are ‘married’ to comrades (the so-called mujahideen).
What happened in Kanduz was just a trailer, and should be good enough to open the eyes of all those who still advocate Taliban’s case. It’s a warning for the world that they should not let Taliban or their rivals IS to take over Afghanistan. IS in Syria and Iraq has already put the Middle East on fire; we should not let this happen to South Asia.
MASOOD KHAN
Jubail, Saudi Arabia
