KABUL (SW) – Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesman for the Islamic Emirate and deputy director of publications at the Ministry of Information and Culture, has clarified his stance on international travel for the Afghan citizens.
On Sunday, Mujahid told a news conference in Kabul that those without “excuses” would not be allowed to travel abroad. He added that Afghan refugees in foreign countries are in a precarious situation.
Mujahid stressed that ‘Muharram’ (male companion) is essential for women planning to travel from Afghanistan. Asked if girls could go on scholarships without a ‘Muharram’, he added that the presence of a ‘Muharram’ on trips abroad is based on a “Sharia rule” for women.
Mujahid, however, explained on Twitter today that the purpose of his remarks about Afghans leaving the country was that it was forbidden to go without documents, illegally and in a smuggling manner that endangers citizens. He said Afghan citizens who have a legal document or an invitation can travel abroad and return safely.
The remarks of the spokesman of the Islamic Emirate have provoked domestic and international reactions. Some social media users have called it “public hostage-taking.”
Meanwhile, the US State Department has called on the Islamic Emirate to live up to its commitment to free passage. Ministry spokesman Ned Price said yesterday that the United States was in contact with the Islamic Emirate on the matter.
He added: “We have seen the statements of the Islamic Emirate that have been reported in the press and we have raised our concerns with the Islamic Emirate.” The spokesman said the United States’ ability to facilitate the evacuation of its “Afghan allies” depends on the Islamic Emirate fulfilling its commitment to free passage.
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