Jakarta –
Government officials in Kabul were blocked by troops Taliban when going to the office on Saturday. It was the first working day at Afghanistan.
Since the hardline Islamists seized power in Afghanistan six days ago, government buildings, banks, schools and universities have remained largely closed.
Only a few private companies, including telecommunications companies, have been operating since the Taliban returned to power – although there have also been two public holidays since then.
On Saturday, the blocking of employees from entering their offices came despite the Taliban’s announcement that they would allow government staff to continue working.
“I went to the office this morning, but the Taliban who were at the gate told us they have not received orders to reopen government offices,” Hamdullah said.
“They told us to watch TV or listen to the radio for announcements when to return to work,” he continued.
Most roads in the capital were largely deserted except for the route to the airport, which was filled with people scrambling to join the US-led evacuation.
Roads to the foreign ministry in central Kabul were also closed, an employee told AFP.
“They don’t let anyone in,” he said on condition of anonymity.
“One of them even told me to wait until new ministers and directors were appointed.”
The foreign exchange market was also closed pending instructions from the central bank, traders said.
Another employee in the Kabul municipality said he was disappointed that the Taliban had not reopened offices.
“I came with a lot of hope but left with disappointment,” he said.
Workers at the Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation office in Kabul, however, were allowed in after showing their ID cards, an employee there said.
Earlier, two days after seizing power, the Taliban announced a general amnesty, saying everyone should return to work.
Spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the new government would be different in a positive way. In the 1996-2001 regime the Taliban was notorious for banning women from almost all aspects of public life. He also announced a general amnesty.
“Everything that is opposite is forgiven from A to Z,” he said.
“We will not seek revenge,” he continued.
(eva / eva)
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