Taliban says ‘no extensions’ to August 31st deadline for evacuations from Afghanistan

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid has said the US must complete evacuations from Afghanistan by the August 31 withdrawal date, with “no extensions”.

During a press conference in Kabul, he said: “August 31 is the time given and after that it’s something that is against the agreement."

“All people should be removed prior to that date."

“After that we do not allow them, it will not be allowed in our country, we will take a different stance.”

The Taliban are also set to stop Afghans from going to Kabul airport.

A Foreign Office minister responsible for Afghanistan has urged the Taliban to allow “the safe and orderly departure” of those who wish to leave the country.

Lord Ahmad, the minister directly responsible for south Asia, including Afghanistan, told a special meeting of the UN Human Rights Council: “The Taliban need to make a political decision to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms. And they must understand that they will be held accountable if they do fail to do so.”

He said: “We urge the Taliban to allow the safe and orderly departure of foreign nationals, and those who wish to leave Afghanistan.”

And Lord Ahmad, who is also the minister responsible for human rights, added: “We also call for a co-ordinated and concerted effort from the international community to address the humanitarian emergency, which has been exacerbated by famine, Covid and internal displacement.”