Afghanistan's ruling Taliban on Saturday said that international aid should not be linked to the actions taken by Kabul.
"The money that comes for aid purposes should not be linked to political matters… If they tie it to political issues, we don’t want their aid at all," Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said.
The comments of the Taliban official came on the heels of growing condemnation of the hardline Islamic group's handling of women's issues in the war-torn nation.
Since storming back to power in Kabul in August 2021, the Taliban has barred women from attending schools, colleges, and universities.
The opposite sex is also banned from seeking employment in both the government and private sectors.
Additionally, they have no access to parks, restaurants, gyms, and other public places.
On the other hand, foreign aid is vital for Afghanistan.
Before the Taliban took over Kabul, the previous democratically elected government was heavily dependent on international aid to run operations with at least 80 percent of the country's fiscal needs being fulfilled through donors and assistance from overseas.
The opposite sex is also banned from seeking employment in both the government and private sectors.
Additionally, they have no access to parks, restaurants, gyms, and other public places.
On the other hand, foreign aid is vital for Afghanistan.
Before the Taliban took over Kabul, the previous democratically elected government was heavily dependent on international aid to run operations with at least 80 percent of the country's fiscal needs being fulfilled through donors and assistance from overseas.
* under UN sanctions for terrorism