Taliban Rejects Western Laws

Taliban Rejects Western Laws

The Taliban has firmly rejected the adoption of Western laws, stating that Afghanistan will be governed by Islamic principles.

The Taliban said there was no photo of Hibatullah Akhundzada – but Afghan media soon circulated this image/ Afghan Press

Taliban Rejects Western Laws

Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada emphasized that democracy has ended in the country and that Sharia law will be the foundation of governance.

This stance reflects their long-standing opposition to Western influence in legal and political affairs.

Establishing an Islamic Legal Framework

The Taliban aims to create a legal system based on Sharia law and the Hanafi school of thought. Their governance structure relies on a centralized authority, where the Amir (leader) holds significant power.

Legal institutions, including the Supreme Court, enforce Islamic judicial principles. Additionally, the Taliban has implemented strict morality laws to regulate social behavior in accordance with their interpretation of Islam.

Impact on Women’s Rights

One of the most criticized aspects of Taliban rule is the severe restrictions on women’s rights. Women are banned from higher education and most forms of employment.

The enforcement of strict dress codes and mobility restrictions further limits their freedoms. These policies have drawn widespread condemnation from human rights organizations and the international community.

International Response and Isolation

The global reaction to the Taliban’s legal policies has been largely negative. The United Nations, Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch have strongly criticized their governance. Economic sanctions, travel bans, and the freezing of Afghanistan’s Central Bank assets have contributed to the country’s increasing isolation.

The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, Richard Bennett, is calling for gender apartheid to be codified as a crime under international law ©Shutterstock

Some nations, such as China and Russia, advocate for engagement, but most Western countries remain cautious.

While the Taliban remains committed to its strict interpretation of Sharia law, internal divisions exist within the group. Some leaders argue for increased engagement with the international community to secure aid and recognition.

However, the leadership in Kandahar continues to resist external pressures, further deepening Afghanistan’s economic and diplomatic struggles. The lack of due process, exclusion of minority legal traditions, and severe restrictions on personal freedoms remain key concerns under Taliban rule

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