COMMENT | When the United States Armed Forces completed their withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021, one of the first Malaysian organisations to congratulate the Taliban government which took over was PAS.

Its organ, Harakahdaily, in an article, quoted the Islamist party’s international affairs and foreign relations bureau chief, Muhammad Khalil Abdul Hadi, describing the Taliban as “very moderate”.

Khalil said the Taliban’s “moderation” can be seen by its promise to protect women’s rights and allow them to work.

“Girls can be seen starting the schooling session and the Taliban has also invited countries in the world to aid the country.” Real or imaginary?

Subsequently, former minister Zuraida Kamaruddin offered to visit Afghanistan to guide the Taliban on women’s rights and empowerment...