US Secretary Antony Blinken expressed concerns over the situation of religious and ethnic minorities in Afghanistan. 

Blinken delivered the remarks referring to the 2021 Report on International Religious Freedom.

“In Afghanistan, conditions for religious freedom have deteriorated dramatically under the Taliban. Particularly as they crack down on the basic rights of women and girls to get an education, to work, to engage in society often under the banner of religion,” he said.  

But the Islamic Emirate said that the caretaker government is looking forward to facilitating a better life for all ethnic groups in the country.  

“The Islamic Emirate believes that… all Afghans have equal rights as Afghans and Muslims,” said Inamullah Samangani, deputy spokesman for the Islamic Emirate.  

However, analysts presented diverse views on this issue.  

“In this report, the clear violation of human rights and the rights of minorities in Afghanistan are mentioned,” said Nazeer Ahmad Tarakai, an international relations’ analyst.  

“The elements related to (foreign) intelligences, and the world is trying to target the minds of the people and create a misunderstanding between the Islamic Emirate and other religious (followers),” said Samar Sadaat, a political analyst.  

The report highlighted China, Russia, Myanmar, India and Pakistan among the countries which violated the freedom of religion.