Won't accept any extension to the deadline for US evacuations from Afghanistan: Taliban

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told a press conference that his group would accept no extensions to the deadline. He said life was returning to normal in the country but chaos at the airport remained a problem.

He asked the US and its allies to stop "encouraging" Afghans to leave the country, adding: "We need their talent". He also reiterated the militants' rejection of any extension to the Aug. 31 deadline for evacuation from Kabul airport.

"Many Afghans are desperate to flee the Taliban takeover of the country."

Mujahid said he was not aware of any meeting between the Taliban and the CIA, but he did not deny that such a meeting took place.

He said citizens stranded at Kabul Airport must return to their homes to live normal life and contribute to the betterment of Afghanistan, adding peaceful atmosphere had been prevailing in the country for the last 10 days.

He said Taliban wanted dialogue to resolve the situation in the province of Panjshir, where forces loyal to Ahmad Massoud, son of the former anti-Soviet commander Ahmad Shah Massoud, had gathered. "We are 80 per cent optimistic that the dispute over Panjshir will be resolved sans any confrontation."

He said banks had been allowed to operate in routine and that the women could work freely. 

"Female Afghan government workers should stay home until security conditions in the country improved," Mujahid advised.

The spokesman said not a single incident of violence had been reported from any part of the country, adding the western style of government would not be welcomed in Afghanistan.

Mujahid told reporters that Taliban would protect human rights of all citizens.