The Taliban have seized the majestic palace of Rashid Dostum, popularly known as the Lion of Afghanistan. The palace, with its splendor, reflects the luxurious life of Rashid Dostum and other Afghan leaders. It was built at a cost of millions of rupees, with precious carpets and sofas on which Taliban soldiers are seen enjoying sleeping.
Commander Qari Salahuddin Ayubi, who captured the palace, said the Taliban are against a life of luxury because Islam does not allow it. They said “Rashid Dostum is notorious. He has earned crores of rupees as bribe from the previous government. He fled to Uzbekistan after being captured by the Taliban on August 15.”
Salahuddin Ayoubi announced that he would not take any retaliatory action against Rashid Dostum. Meanwhile, Taliban Minister for Higher Education Abdul Baqi Haqqani said Afghan women were allowed to pursue higher education at the university but could not sit in a joint class with boys. Female faculty will teach. Hijab will be mandatory for them. If female teachers are not available, alternative arrangements will be made.
The Taliban, meanwhile, rejected the Pakistani minister’s claim that Afghanistan’s trade would be in Pakistani currency.
