Deputy Chairman of the Information and Culture Committee of the Taliban: We respect freedoms provided we adhere to the traditions of the Afghan people (video)

Ahmadullah Watheeq, deputy head of the Taliban's Information and Culture Committee, said that the movement respects freedom of expression and freedom of the press, but he called for everyone to abide by their responsibilities and respect the customs and traditions of the Afghan people.

In an interview with Al-Essiya on Al-Jazeera Mubasher, he added that the media have the right to criticize the movement's leader, but without the matter turning into an insult.

He pointed out that the movement will try to provide education to all without discrimination against women, and will try to find solutions to gender segregation in schools.

With regard to the movement's control of the northeastern province of Panjshir, Watheeq said that the movement was able to control the region some time ago, but it did not want that to be done by using military force and offered the Northern Alliance to participate in the government, but the coalition did not agree.

He added that the coalition's refusal forced the movement to resort to military operations in order to control the state.

Watheeq pledged to prevent reprisals against the people of Panjshir after the movement's success in controlling the state.

He said that after the movement's control of the capital, Kabul, there have been meetings and dialogues with various countries, which have expressed their willingness to recognize the legitimacy of the Taliban government soon.

Watheeq stressed that the Taliban movement has proven to the whole world that it is the only force capable of controlling Afghanistan.

He pointed out that these countries assured the Taliban of their support for the people of Afghanistan, calling on the countries of the world to invest in various sectors in the country.

Watheeq stated that the announcement of the formation of the government and parliament will be made within days.

Earlier on Monday, the Taliban said they had taken control of Panjshir province in northeastern Afghanistan.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said, "Anyone who carries weapons is an enemy of the people and the country."

Mujahid added during a press conference in the capital, Kabul, after the movement announced its control of Panjshir province, that "everyone who tries to start an insurgency will receive a severe blow" and that the movement will not allow another rebellion.