PETALING JAYA: The Afghan embassy in Kuala Lumpur has invited Datuk Zuraida Kamaruddin for a meeting with its envoy on Wednesday (Aug 25) to discuss her recent statement after the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan.

       This was confirmed by Zuraida, who said she was being invited in her capacity as the head of the Council of Malaysian Women Political Leaders (Comwel).

       "I will be meeting with ambassador Dr Moheb Rahman Spin Ghar at about 11.30am Wednesday (Aug 25).

       "I am glad to accept the invitation to further explain my recent statement, which was made on behalf of Comwel on a humanitarian basis, as the takeover by the Taliban involved the lives of women and children," said Zuraida.

       Dr Moheb Rahman is the ambassador of the former Afghanistan government that was overthrown by the Taliban recently.

       On Aug 20, Zuraida, who is also Ampang MP, had issued a public statement offering to visit Afghanistan to guide the Taliban on women’s rights and empowerment.

       She stated that as the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan was likely to give rise to hostility towards progress and women’s rights there, other Muslim countries need to play their roles to educate the Islamist organisation on women’s empowerment.

       “In fact, progressive Muslim countries around the world should also send representatives among their female leaders to Afghanistan to help with the country’s women’s empowerment agenda.

       “Should this opportunity arise, I would be interested to be in Afghanistan to assist in guiding the government and the people of Afghanistan in women’s development and empowerment.

       “As a modernising Islamic country, there are many things we can share with them, especially on how to optimise the role of women in administration, politics, education, economics and society, which are in line with the true teachings of Islam,” said Zuraida.

       Admitting it was a challenge, Zuraida said that it was an obligation for modern Muslim women to assist the women and children in Afghanistan and not just stand on the sidelines.

       The Taliban seized control of Afghanistan on Aug 15, following the full withdrawal of US troops that had occupied the country since the Sept 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.