Hello and welcome to bbc news. Taliban fighters have reached the outskirts of the afghan capital, kabul, after a Lightning Advance across the country. The militant group now controls all the other major cities in afghanistan, and look to be on the verge of toppling the afghan government. The arrival of the taliban has sparked panic in the city with a populuation of more than four million, as well as Tens Of Thousands of internally displaced afghans. People have been rushing to embassies for visas and stockpiling food. These Pictures Filmed By The Bbc In Kabul show people attempting to leave the city. The taliban says negotiations are taking place to ensure a peaceful transition of Power. Us and british troops have been arriving in afghanistan to evacuate diplomatic staff from their embassies. Earlier, thousands of afghans in the capital were seen trying to withdraw their savings from atms as fear gripped the capital. Beyond the capital, overnight, the insurgents seized the eastern city of jalala bad. Local leaders reportedly handed it over without a fight. It means the taliban can secure the roads that connect afghanistan to pakistan further consolidating their grip on Power. As for the fate of kabul, in a statement the taliban have said theyve ordered their fighters to stay at entry points to the capital. They also said they are in talks with senior officials in president Ashraf Ghanis Government on a peaceful transfer of Power, as the future of the current afghan government looks increasingly untenable. A short while ago, the acting afghan Interior Minister made this statement about the future of kabul. Translation the security of the city has been guaranteed. There will be no attack on the city. The Power'>City And Power will be handed over to a third party. It is our duty to secure the city. Dont be a victim of their propaganda. Kabul will be safe. Lets speak to our South Asia correspondent, anbarasan ethirajan. Quite a lot going on behind the scenes. What do we know about a transfer of Power . figs behindthescenes. What do we know about a transfer of Power . About a transfer of Power . As we seak, about a transfer of Power . As we speak. There about a transfer of Power . As we speak, there are different about a transfer of Power . As we speak, there are different levels| about a transfer of Power . As we i speak, there are different levels of talks going on between different stakeholders. With what happened in the last six hours, a lot of confusion among residents of kabul, after some reports that Taliban Fighters were seen outside the capital city, and people were going to banks to withdraw money. Later on, a taliban statement calmed things down that they wont attack the city and they want a peaceful transfer of Power. What we understand is a delegation is going tomorrow to doha, a Government Delegation of elders, to reach an agreement, a round of talks going on. And another political Delegation Led by senior politicians, going to pakistan, not clear who they are going to talk to. The politician was leaving Kabul Airport a few minutes ago with a delegation. Meanwhile, the us and other western countries and other stakeholders are Holding Talks with the taliban representatives In Doha. What is emerging clearly now is there is some sort of transfer of Power likely to happen, with these negotiations if they go well. Secondly, the government of president Ashraf Ghani looks increasingly untenable. And third, possibly there is a transitional government being formed. But one thing is very clear. The taliban are very keen to take over the reins of kabul as soon as possible, even talking about asking everyone to stay and asking foreigners that they would be expected to register. The talibans leaders must be aware that taking over kabul by peaceful means is more likely to secure them some sort of international recognition. They want to be seen like taliban 2. 0, they dont want to be seen like what they were doing in the previous regime 1996 2001, when the country was under islamic rule. They have been showing a very diplomatic maturity in talks In Doha, and in the past two days. They are trying to say, we dont want to take the city by force, that will send a clear message, and also if the government is going to be there, a taliban led government, they have to be part of the international community. They would want Money And Aid and recognition. As you know, many taliban leaders are on the unsanctions list. There were many sanctions and they would want them to be removed. They want to be seen to be removed. They want to be seen to be removed. They want to be seen to be working with the international community, notjust to capture Power. The european union, the us, the uk, they have said if they seized kabul by force, the government will not be accepted. On the U N sanctions list. So government will not be accepted. On the U N sanctions list. On the U N sanctions list. So the taliban are on the U N sanctions list. So the taliban are looking on the U N sanctions list. So the taliban are looking to on the U N sanctions list. So the taliban are looking to be on the U N sanctions list. So the taliban are looking to be very i taliban are looking to be very smart, they understand that. That is why they are now waiting for the government In Kabul itself to itself to capitulate. Thank you. To france and canada. My colleague Yalda Hakim joins me. We know they are At The Gates Of Kabul, because change over to a political track. Negotiations are going on In Kabul, they may shift back to doha in the next day or so. Everybody waiting to see if the president is going to agree to step down. To agree a mechanism acceptable to all sides. Or by giving the reins of Power to somebody else, and agreeing to a transition. How this will unfold has yet to be seen, but the indications are that he is ready to abdicate and step down. We did just hear from step down. We did just hearfrom our correspondent that talks are expected In Doha on monday. Potentially there will be talks involving pakistan. How crucial is pakistan at this moment . Pakistan has been crucial all along. As well as being an important neighbour of afghanistan. I think you are going to see a delegation of politicians made up mostly of groups going to pakistan, this is probably an indication, in the future any type of transitional interim government would need to be Broad Based. Meaning that it cannot be ruled by just one side, one action, one ethnic group, it has to be Broad Based. Obviously the taliban would play a major role in the new government. Would play a Maor Role in the new government. Government. Given the Speed And Success of the government. Given the Speed And Success of the Taliban Government. Given the Speed And Success of the taliban advance,. Government. Given the Speed And L success of the taliban advance, why would they accept that . Interestingly, that is what the taliban have been asking for a while. They have asked for a transition which is Broad Based and representative, meaning they obviously would like to play a crucial important role in any future set up, but they do not think it should be purely Taliban Government, which i think is practical, from their side. Which i think is practical, from their side which i think is practical, from theirside. , their side. May lessons have been learned from their side. May lessons have been learned from the their side. May lessons have been learned from the 1990s. Their side. May lessons have been learned from the 1990s. Thank. Their side. May lessons have been i learned from the 1990s. Thank you. We can now speak to the former british defence secretary, Liam Fox. Thank you forjOining Us on bbc news. We are already talking about talks In Doha about the shape of a handover to a government. What talks In Doha about the shape of a handover to a government. What is the leveraged handover to a government. What is the leveraged and handover to a government. What is the leveraged and the handover to a government. What is the leveraged and the Influence Handover to a government. What is| the leveraged and the influence the uk could have . First of all we have to acknowledge we have seen the overthrow by Military Means of an elected government. It is overthrow by Military Means of an elected government. Elected government. It is a strategic elected government. It is a strategic disaster. Elected government. It is a strategic disaster. Im elected government. It is a l strategic disaster. Im sorry, elected government. It is a strategic disaster. Im sorry, your sound is dropping in and out, sorry to interrupt, but let me pick up. Liam fox, let mejust pick up to say, if we are hearing about international negotiations, the international negotiations, the international community presumably has to deal with the taliban . Weill. Has to deal with the taliban . Well, remember. Has to deal with the taliban . Well, remember. We has to deal with the taliban . Well, remember, we went has to deal with the taliban . Well, remember, we went to has to deal with the taliban . Ii remember, we went to afghanistan because the Taliban Government at the time welcomed the terrorists who caused the 9 11 attacks. This is a democratic government being replaced, overthrown by a Military Body which contains a large number of people regarded by international communities as terrorists. There have been talks In Doha in qatar between the united states and the taliban. We dont know the status of those, but the people of afghanistan. Inaudible. 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We are told by an afghan Government Negotiator that an afghan Government Delegation including Abdullah Abdullah is travelling to qatar today to meet taliban representatives. The taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen told my colleague just minutes ago that the key leaders are still In Doha. It is In Doha rather than kabul that the shape of the new government of afghanistan is taking place. Lets bring you some Expert Analysis from michael ohanlon, Senior Fellow at the Brooklyns Institute in washington who has written extensively on the taliban. Some are Bin Laden famously kept one of your books on his book shelf. Thank you forjOining Us on bbc news. Your reaction to what we are hearing, that these talks are shaping up very swiftly In Doha . Well, its remarkable on one level. The whole thing is mind numbing even for those of us who have been following this. Remember how fast the taliban fell 20 years ago, so we know that afghans dont like to fight in a losing cause, so not entirely surprising that much of the Government Security forces would collapse like this. Given that they have, you wouldnt expect the taliban to negotiate over anything, and i am still sceptical that they will. Its fascinating. We are Processing Information as fast as it comes in. As you just reported, developments are happening by the hour, at a pace that even in the annals of Rapid Military Conquest and war, is quite something. I obviously hope and pray that somehow there is an agreement whereby the taliban decided to basically say, we will at least make the effort to bring other voices into this government, to grant amnesty. Its government, to grant amnesty. Its more than i would have hoped for, frankly, and im still not sure its going to happen, but i guess that is where we have To Go now with our aspirations. The role of washington and the united states, a huge amount of condemnation of the speed of the withdrawal of us troops. President biden being very firm that he saw no other option. He said, give it five years, what difference would it make . ,. ,. ,. , make . How would you describe opinion in washington make . How would you describe opinion in washington about make . How would you describe opinion in washington about that . Make . How would you describe opinion in washington about that . First make . How would you describe opinion in washington about that . First of in washington about that . First of all, you are right, a lot of criticism of the biden decision, executed far too quickly. What we are all processing what is happening. The fact that this whole House Of Cards has collapsed so fast, some people would say that it really was a House Of Cards, which would seem to lend support to mr bidens view there was no point continuing a mission that was only building a shell of a government and a security force. Others of us would say that afghans dont fight in a losing cause. If you pull the rug out so quickly, with so little warning and planning, which is whats happened in the last four months, then you increase dramatically the chances of this sort of catastrophe. I really think President Bidens response notwithstanding, this is obviously notwithstanding, this is obviously not going to be a feather in his cap. The only question now is about damage limitation. How do we show the world that in fact this president can be resolute on other problems and be a good ally on other problems, when he in myjudgment was not resolute and was not a good ally in regard to afghanistan . In regard to afghanistan . Michael, our reporter in regard to afghanistan . Michael, our reporter from in regard to afghanistan . Michael, our reporter from ground in regard to afghanistan . Michael, our reporter from Ground Zero in regard to afghanistan . Michael, our reporter from Ground Zero on l our reporter from Ground Zero on 9 11. I know what this has meant to people in the united states. You seem to be saying that the us mission of the last 20 years is revealed as a mirage . Mission of the last 20 years is revealed as a mirage . Well, im afraid that revealed as a mirage . Well, im afraid that these revealed as a mirage . Well, im afraid that these debates revealed as a mirage . Well, im afraid that these debates have l afraid that these debates have happened elsewhere around the world, you know very well, britain worked so hard and lost so many people in Helmand Province in afghanistan, and basically decided a few years ago, like what President Biden has decided this year, that the effort was really not worth sustaining. So im afraid this is not a debate that is unique to the united states. The issues are palpable, and they are clearly before us. But i also think there was a good case to keep doing what we were doing is of a year or two ago. 12,000 total nato troops, down more than 90 on the peak. It was enough to give the afghan forces some backbone and allow a Peace Process to begin. Over time, i think there was a chance the Peace Process could have evolved in a more favourable direction. So i think this will go down as a very sad and tragic day, and also a bad decision by nato writ large. The us is taking the brunt of it now, as we should, but other nato countries have been wrestling with the same questions and made the same kind of decisions. On the whole, an alliance that stuck together so well for so long, they are coming out of this with a mission that may have kept terrorism at bay for 20 years but obviously did not achieve its goals for afghanistan. Lets look at the wide of goal, to keep terror at bay. I was talking to Liam Fox and the first thing he said, remember the taliban harboured international jihadists, they could do so again. In terms of washington pulls my interests right now, will that be at the forefront of their minds at the White House and the pentagon . How many foreign fighters are joining this cause and being harboured by them . Yes, absolutely. We have a number of different tools than 20 years ago. Nato have showed the world that we are pretty good to responding, even if the mission itself has not produced an afghanistan state that can hold together, we have shown 20 years of perseverance going off to extremist threats. We decimated alqaeda in the tribal areas of pakistan and the parts of afghanistan where previously they were holed up. We have shown a willingness through thick and thin to keep at it when the mission was unpopular, meaning that if we are struck again from afghanistan, i have No Doubt the us and nato partners will go back to do what is necessary to target the source of that violence. It doesnt mean we can source of that violence. It doesnt mean we can build source of that violence. It doesnt mean we can build a source of that violence. It doesnt mean we can build a State Source of that violence. It doesnt mean we can build a state that i source of that violence. It doesntl mean we can build a state that will make it permanently stable and safe in afghanistan, but if there is an Extremist Sanctuary that develops again, our intelligence assets have again, our intelligence assets have a good chance of finding it, and certainly our Power'>Strike Power is up to the job of certainly our Power'>Strike Power is up to thejob of going certainly our Power'>Strike Power is up to the job of going after it. I am sure that message the job of going after it. I am sure that message will the job of going after it. I am sure that message will be the job of going after it. I am sure that message will be delivered the job of going after it. I am sure| that message will be delivered and reiterated, and i think its correct reiterated, and i think its correct. Michael, thank you for joining correct. Michael, thank you for jOining Us correct. Michael, thank you for jOining Us from washington. My colleague joined me in the studio. You are colleague joined me in the studio. You are in colleague joined me in the studio. You are in constant touch both with people you are in constant touch both with people in you are in constant touch both with people In Kabul and with those now making people In Kabul and with those now making the running. Your interview with the making the running. Your interview with the taliban spokesman within the last with the taliban spokesman within the last hour seemed to make it very clear they the last hour seemed to make it very clear they are looking for that peaceful clear they are looking for that peaceful transfer of Power and they are very peaceful transfer of Power and they are very confident about it. Indeed, when are very confident about it. Indeed, when we are very confident about it. Indeed, when we talk about a negotiation, this is when we talk about a negotiation, this is no when we talk about a negotiation, this is no longer a negotiation, someone this is no longer a negotiation, someone said it is like a negotiation with a gun to your head. It is negotiation with a gun to your head. It is no negotiation with a gun to your head. It is no longer with the afghan government having a position to talk, government having a position to talk, there is a Delegation Led to doha talk, there is a Delegation Led to doha hy talk, there is a Delegation Led to doha by doctor Abdullah Abdullah, who was doha by doctor Abdullah Abdullah, who was part of the Power sharing government with Ashraf Ghani. He has been with government with Ashraf Ghani. He has been with the delegation for some time, been with the delegation for some time, trying to negotiate with the taliban time, trying to negotiate with the taliban. They are now very confident and very taliban. They are now very confident and very sure that in the coming days and very sure that in the coming days from and very sure that in the coming days from wat Suhail Shaheen, the taliban days from wat Suhail Shaheen, the taliban spokesperson, said to me, they will taliban spokesperson, said to me, they will reimpose an islamic state, they will reimpose an islamic state, the government of the taliban, and that is the government of the taliban, and that is what they call themselves, back across the country. This is some back across the country. This is some of back across the country. This is some of what he had to say. Their properties, their lives are safe. Our leadership have instructed our forces to remain at the gate of kabul and not to enter the city. We are waiting a peaceful transfer of Power. When you say peaceful transfer of Power, what you mean . What is actually likely to happen . It means that the city and the Power should be handed over to us and then in future we will have an islamic government, in which all of our plans will have participation. When you say participation, do you mean one vote, one person . What you mean by participation . Participation means that we will have in the government afghans and we will have them in the future government. But it will all form under the umbrella of the government of the taliban, the Islamic Emirate . Yes, there will be an islamic government. Will there be a delegation going to doha tomorrow . There are a lot of rumours that the mullah has arrived In Kabul and that the current president has handed Power over to him. Can you give viewers some clarity on that, please . He is here. He has not come to kabul. These are just rumours. There is also a lot of concern from women in afghanistan, In Kabul. They have been writing to me, they are concerned that you will reimpose the regime of the 90s back in afghanistan, where women could not go to school, they could not work. Can you give us some clarity on what your plans are for that . We have taken many parts of the country. There are hundreds of schools for girls. The Girl Students are studying and there is no restriction, they are continuing their studies and they are going to school as in the past. So, we should not. Women are telling you that when they arrived at the gates of the University Yesterday in herat, Taliban Fighters told them to leave and that they would be instructions about whether they could attend university or not. That is what the fighters on the ground are telling the women. No, what im saying is the policy. The policy is that women can have access to education and to work, and of course, they will wear the hijab. Thats it. When you say the hijab, do you mean a headscarf on the head or a burqa covering theirface . No, the burqa is not the only hijab. There are many types of hijab. Suhail shaheen a short time ago. Thinking of people In Kabul, and you have been in touch with People Night and day, many must now be terrified because they are facing either an Islamic Emirate or bloody violence. Exactly, and Suhail Shaheen wanted to make clear that bloody violence was something they wanted to avoid. We are hearing from the government as well as various different groups within afghanistan, who are saying kabul needs to remain intact. They have a memory of the city being flattened during the civil war, which is not something they want to see happen again. That is also part of the narrative, having built this country, this city for two decades, young women i am speaking to tell me they are terrified. They are destroying documents, for example, that have any mention that they may have gone to the American University Of Afghanistan or other institutions which have links to the west. So many people right now, so much chaos and desperation, so many people unsure about their future. Its, unsure about their future. A colleague of mine spoke earlier about colleague of mine spoke earlier about some of the people she had spoken about some of the people she had spoken to about some of the people she had spoken to. One of my friends trying to leave spoken to. One of my friends trying to leave afghanistan, trying to get a visa. To leave afghanistan, trying to get a visa. The to leave afghanistan, trying to get a visa, the queues are so big that He Cannot a visa, the queues are so big that He Cannot even talk to an official. Are they going to get a visa or an official. Are they going to get a visa or not . An official. Are they going to get a visa or not . He said they have been told that visa or not . He said they have been told that the taliban have said they are free told that the taliban have said they are free to told that the taliban have said they are free To Go, but he doesnt know where are free To Go, but he doesnt know where to are free To Go, but he doesnt know where To Go are free To Go, but he doesnt know where To Go. He doesnt trust he doesnt trust going to get a visa . Noone No One knows what is going to happen No One knows what is going to happen next. When women i was speaking to said if you look at afghanistan today, if you look at afghanistan today, if you look at campbell, just remember we trusted the americans. I think one thing that we shouldnt forget and we need to point out is the gains of the last 20 years. When people talked about a week, corrupt governments, there were so many women, so many extraordinary people who took the freedoms and opportunities and made something of it. Yeah, you know. You go to afghanistan quite frequently. More than me. You saw the progress that women made. The progress that girl is made. The progress that young men made. I remember 20 years ago, when we were broadcasting for the bbc, there was hardly any English Speakers but now we have an army of English Speakers. It means in the last 20 years there was a first for education and they grabbed it and they learnt and they digested it and they made such progress. They went abroad, they got education, they went back home to build the country, and now, suddenly, all of those people i know arejobless. All of these people i know are sitting at home waiting for the next minute, what to do. Not trusting the politicians, not trusting the americans, not trusting the other international communities that were there. I am seeing children on the street crying because they dont have milk, they dont have proper food. It is just heartbreaking Situation And Ijust dont know how to myself personally because i am afghan and i work for women, it is just so heartbreaking. Our colleague on some of the personal stories that she is hearing. Were joined now by mariam wardak, a co founder of the her Afghanistan Organisation which campaigns for Gender Inclusion in the country. Mariam has worked for the national Security Council in the administration of president Ashraf Ghani. Thank you for being with us on bbc news. Events are obviously moving fast. What do you make from what you are hearing from the second today . Well, it seems that they do want a peaceful transition. That is quite predictable, especially with the doha agreement. I think what is concerning is how the public is reacting on Social Media. More about that, what reacting on Social Media. More about that. What you reacting on Social Media. More about that, what you mean . Reacting on Social Media. More about that, what you mean . I reacting on Social Media. More about that, what you mean . Ithink reacting on Social Media. More about that, what you mean . I think that. That, what you mean . I think that the public. That, what you mean . I think that the public. The that, what you mean . I think that the public, the negativity that, what you mean . I think that the public, the negativity that that, what you mean . I think that the public, the negativity that is l the public, the negativity that is spreading across Social Media is causing more of a concern to others around the world more so then how the people are handling it on the ground. As you heard previously from yourformer speaker, she mentioned your former speaker, she mentioned that yourformer speaker, she mentioned that they are asked to return to their shops and things will be back to normal, however the fear, which is a normal reaction to what is happening, is what is causing the stir more so than anything else. Could be taliban have moved so fast with such success if they were not supported with such large numbers of people . Supported with such large numbers of eole . , supported with such large numbers of eole . ,. , supported with such large numbers of neole . ,. ,. , people . That is the main topic that i am so people . That is the main topic that i am so glad people . That is the main topic that i am so glad that people . That is the main topic that i am so glad that you people . That is the main topic that i am so glad that you brought people . That is the main topic that i am so glad that you brought up. | i am so glad that you brought up. There is acceptance among the people for the taliban and more so in the rural areas because of the tribal way that they have approached the elders. Afghanistan is a very tribal society and the elders are the ones who make the decision and are pretty much the architects of the future. Thats why when you hear in some Provinces Caliban are allowing schools, it is because of the pressure that the village elders have placed on the local taliban commanders that our girls must go to school. I think the influence of the elders is quite important on how it will structure the future. Irate elders is quite important on how it will structure the future. Will structure the future. We are heafina will structure the future. We are hearing now will structure the future. We are hearing now that will structure the future. We are hearing now that a will structure the future. We are hearing now that a delegation i will structure the future. We are J Hearing now that a delegation of afghan elders will be going to doha for these talks with the taliban about how afghanistan will be run. Do you have concerns about a generational difference, a Gender Difference here is afghanistanmy they decided again . Difference here is afghanistanmy they decided again . Well, first this deleuation they decided again . Well, first this delegation they decided again . Well, first this delegation is they decided again . Well, first this delegation is it they decided again . Well, first this delegation is it a they decided again . Well, first this delegation is it a political delegation is it a political delegation is it a political delegation or is it the elders that are from the provinces, those who make the decision and who have worked with the taliban and have also supported the government . Now, when it comes to the representation of women, it is obviously not bad. And the fact that the administration did not send, E Mail Islamic Scholars, to speak to the taliban about what the concern is, these arguments is what have to take place in order to bring any freedom oh progress for women. It is the Religion Narrative that the taliban have been taking forward. One has to speaking their language. [30 have been taking forward. One has to speaking their language. Speaking their language. Do you think this is speaking their language. Do you think this is somewhere speaking their language. Do you think this is somewhere where l think this is somewhere where international pressure can help when you are talking about education for women and girls or might it prove counter productive if the taliban is rejecting what the Western Stands for culturally . I rejecting what the Western Stands for culturally . For culturally . I think education for culturally . I think education for all is very for culturally . I think education for all is very important for culturally . I think education for all is very important and for culturally . I think education for all is very important and i i for all is very important and i think that the fact that taliban once representation by the international community that the international community that the international community that the international community can sway them to allow education and to allow women to work. There is a huge society that has changed from a patriarchal society to a matriarchal one because of the men that have died. You asked me early about the generation transition. The transition is not only with the afghan population, it is also with the Afghan Taliban. Those that use rule in the 1990s are not there any more. They have both evolved in certain ways and they both have things that they must negotiate on. The Afghan Taliban must give up on things and so did the afghan people. If they went to live in a peaceful society and this may not work out into the benefits of those who have been able to experience the past 20 years of democracy, especially in Kabul Bed Kabul has been quite disconnected with the rest of the country for the last 20 years and it is quite evident, especially how quickly the provinces handed over to the taliban. Another aspect that we needed to look and is what is the negotiation aspect. The international community should not be involved in the superficial aspect of the conversation. Yes, there are certain questions about being chaperoned, especially when certain women dont have any more males in theirfamily certain women dont have any more males in their Family Due to what happened in the war and the question of them being able to have economic independency and autonomy. That is a serious concern because i dont think women want to hold up their hand for any support from others. They are independent, strong and educated and i believe they can take the country forward better than how the country forward better than how the men have operated in the last 20 years. The men have operated in the last 20 ears. ,. , years. So, when we are looking now at conversations years. So, when we are looking now at conversations about years. So, when we are looking now at conversations about how at conversations about how afghanistan will be run and what the rules of society will be, is it going to be safe anyone inside kabul, let alone the rest of afghanistan to voice concerns about chaperoning, having to wear the hijab, education, speaking out is difficult to imagine that this will be a conversation that will be held safely. I be a conversation that will be held safel. ,. , be a conversation that will be held safel. ,. Be a conversation that will be held safel. ,. , safely. I cannot predict what the future is going safely. I cannot predict what the future is going to safely. I cannot predict what the future is going to hold. Safely. I cannot predict what the future is going to hold. We safely. I cannot predict what the future is going to hold. We also | future is going to hold. We also need to be aware of how criminals are going to take advantage of the situation. Criminal activity has increased dramatically as soon as the Troop Withdrawal has been announced. Reflecting on history, when the taliban were in Power, it was one of the peaceful times. It was one of the peaceful times. It was the most depressed times for women, there were no cultivation, men would leave their shops open when they went to prayer but the press that they the fact that they oppressed women is not acceptable. The way going forward is how our elders and how women will hold conversation. Islamic scholars are more important than ever is and i call out for all Islamic Scholars to make a good stands for women to live their lives in a way that they can move forward and not be dependent on other men, especially in cultures such as afghanistan. Marriage is a very strong institution and most of the women who lose their husbands, they are very likely not to get married because they want to raise the children and to keep the memory of her husband. Forcing those women to get remarried and breaking that structure, that is something that is unacceptable. Structure, that is something that is unacceptable structure, that is something that is unacceptable. Thank you for Oining Us and for raising unacceptable. Thank you for Oining Us and for raising some h unacceptable. Thank you forjOining Us and for raising some really unacceptable. Thank you forjOining Us and for raising some really key | us and for raising some really key questions about what is happening and what will happen to the people, the women of afghanistan. You are watching bbc news. We are bringing you the Breaking News that the taliban are now in almost complete control of afghanistan. They say that they are holding their fighters At The Gates Of Kabul while theyre waiting for a peaceful transfer of Power with afghan government. For an update of the latest development here is our world affairs correspondent. Its the final act, the fall of kabul. With the taliban closing in, those who can are leaving, taking what they can carry. And its all happening without a fight. Translation the Security Forces i are In Kabul providing security. I the international forces are also there to support us. Yesterday, the president , in a meeting, decided to send a delegation to doha to reach an agreement there. We will provide security until they reach an agreement. The enemy is spreading rumours. Until a peace agreement, kabul will remain secured. And the taliban say they wont Take Kabul by force. Negotiations are under way, their latest statement says, to ensure a safe, secure transition. Our forces are instructed to stand At The Gates Of Kabul, and not try to enter the city. We want to avoid Bloodshed And Destruction to properties of the people, and to not give a chance to plunderers, looters, who are waiting for such moments to loot or plunder the properties of the people. But kabul is a place full of fear. Tens of thousands of civilians displaced by fighting elsewhere living on the streets, telling stories of abuses at the hands of the taliban. Translation the taliban came into our village in the night. After a few days, we managed to escape, as they were murdering the men and boys. They accused them of being in the army or the police. They were taken out of their homes and murdered because they worked for the government. Away from the capital, more success for the taliban, taking over the eastern City Ofjalalabad giving them control of the vital road connecting afghanistan with pakistan. Far to the west, theyre Cementing Control over another strategic city, herat. In just two weeks, every major city has fallen, and most provinces, Leaving Kabul surrounded and isolated. Back at the capital, the citys main prison is now in taliban hands. Inmates are being let out. Its a pattern repeated across the country in recent days. Personally, i hang my head in shame. The Words Betrayal and abandonment Ithink You used earlier, yalda, and that is what afghans feel. The afghan colleagues, afghan friends, afghans who have worked hard to build a modern afghanistan, worked hard as reliable allies and partners for us over the years. At the border with pakistan, afghans are fleeing. With or without fighting, the Talibans Takeover looks set to trigger a fresh wave of refugees. The bbc has been talking at length to the taliban in the past few hours, pressing spokesman Suhail Shaheen on what is in store for the country. My colleague Yalda Hakim joins me. We are going To Go through quite a lot of what was said and your analysis of what can be taken as read. First, the key point about transfer of Power. I read. First, the key point about transfer of Power. Read. First, the key point about transfer of Power. I reached out to him Today Transfer of Power. I reached out to him today is transfer of Power. I reached out to him today. Is it transfer of Power. I reached out to him today. Is it over transfer of Power. I reached out to him today. Is it over for transfer of Power. I reached out to him today. Is it over for us . Transfer of Power. I reached out to him today. Is it over for us . What| him today. Is it overfor us . What does our future hold . Him today. Is it overfor us . What does Ourfuture Hold . I said him today. Is it overfor us . What does our future hold . I said to him today. Is it overfor us . What does Ourfuture Hold . I said to him, we need you to come and answer these questions because there is no leadership. He came on and joined us on the bbc and he spoke, i thought quite clearly about certain things and then not so clearly about other things. Certainly on the transfer of Power, they have taken over the bulk of the country, the entirety of the country. It isjust of the country, the entirety of the country. It is just kabul city centre. The security is now being held by, if you look at the statements, they say the other side. They say the other side is taking care of security. Lets have a look at what they said about the transition of Power. At what they said about the transition of Power. There is a lot of Chaos And Transition of Power. There is a lot of Chaos And Confusion transition of Power. There is a lot of Chaos And Confusion in transition of Power. There is a lot of Chaos And Confusion In Kabul. Transition of Power. There is a lot| of Chaos And Confusion In Kabul at the moment. Can you just help us understand what the taliban plan to do at present and next . Yes, there should not be any confusion In Kabul. We assure the people in the city of kabul that their properties, their lives are safe. There will be no revenge on anyone. We are the servants of the people and the country. Our leadership have instructed our forces to remain at the gate of kabul and not to enter the city. We are waiting a peaceful transfer of Power. But peaceful transfer of Power to what . People in afghanistan have a lot of reason to feel fearful now, especially women. Lot of reason to feel fearful now, especially women. Indeed, they are the main people especially women. Indeed, they are the main people i especially women. Indeed, they are the main people i have especially women. Indeed, they are the main people i have been especially women. Indeed, they are l the main people i have been speaking to over the last few days, who say is this going to be a return to the nineties . Some of these young girls will have to do remember did not live through the taliban. These are the 911 generation. All they understand is freedom, opportunity and all of the games that we have seen, they have built the nation from scratch. Over the last few days, what we have been hearing is two Words Betrayal, abandonment. We were told by america and the western world, Come And Join Us on this project. We will finance you, she this project. We will finance you, shell to you, fund you. Build a price, build a democracy for yourself, living it and we will protect you. So i put to him the issue of women and girls, especially when it comes to education and women. There is also a lot of concern from women in afghanistan, In Kabul. They have been writing to me, texting me, they are concerned that you will reimpose the regime of the � 90s back in afghanistan, where women and girls could not go to school, they couldnt work. Can you give us some clarity on what your plans are for that . We have taken already many parts of the country. There are hundreds of schools for girls, universities. The Girl Students are studying and there is no restriction on them, they are continuing their studies and they are going to school as they went in the past. Women in herat are telling me that when they arrived at the gates of the University Yesterday, Taliban Fighters told them to leave and that there would be instructions about whether they could attend university or not. That is what the fighters on the ground are telling the women of herat. No, what im telling is the policy. The policy is that women can have access to education and to work, and of course, they will observe the hijab. That is it. He says, this is the policy but on this and in merry areas, there does appear to be a taliban narrative. And you have seen both in recent weeks. I and you have seen both in recent weeks. , and you have seen both in recent weeks. ,. ,. , and you have seen both in recent weeks. ,. ,. ,. , weeks. I was In Doha a few weeks ago and we talked weeks. I was In Doha a few weeks ago and we talked about weeks. I was In Doha a few weeks ago and we talked about all weeks. I was In Doha a few weeks ago and we talked about all of weeks. I was In Doha a few weeks ago and we talked about all of these and we talked about all of these things and more. There was this sense, and certainly i walked away from that interview, thinking ok, taliban 2. 0 may have softened but i met the front Line Commander who clearly said to me that amputation of hands and feet and stoning of women and executions is what happens and what they do and what is their version of law and order, so we can really see the sort of disconnect between what Suhail Shaheen is telling us about an inclusive afghanistan and what the fighters are doing on the ground. I asked him how he was going to control the fighters and he said, this is our policy, once we return, the fighters will be reined in. This policy, once we return, the fighters will be reined in. Will be reined in. This is what we were ust will be reined in. This is what we were just talking will be reined in. This is what we were just talking to will be reined in. This is what we were just talking to marianne will be reined in. This is what we i were just talking to marianne about in washington. There is bound to be a sense in which the taliban is being welcomed perhaps by many conservative men and these policies about women, about education and about women, about education and about harshjustice are about women, about education and about harsh justice are being welcomed by some in afghanistan. I think the big question that many people were asking is why didnt these well trained Soldiers Fight . Why did they walk away . Why were provinces just handed over to the taliban . These are big questions and i think the nation will do a lot of Soul Searching as well the international community about what went wrong and why we are where we are. If we look at the array of players in this field, who have been outspoken critics of the taliban, where does this leave them now and Suhail Shaheen spoke to me about reprisals and revenge attacks. I5 reprisals and revenge attacks. Is whats happening on the ground to the people. Theyre telling us that your fighters are terrorising them. For example, a Government Worker was targeted and killed last week, a media Government Worker and the taliban claimed responsibility. Is there going to be continued targeted killings of people who do not agree with the taliban or have spoken out against them . Maybe that report you are receiving, maybe the reports are exaggerated. Just wanting to mislead the world against us. Every individual case should be fully investigated, then we know the veracity of that case. But what i am telling you is the policy. That policy we are following. And all our members should follow that. So, we are going to see what taliban narrative the outside world can depend on but it does seem as if the focus is now shifting to doha. Titer . Focus is now shifting to doha. Very much so. Focus is now shifting to doha. Very much so we focus is now shifting to doha. Very much so. We understand focus is now shifting to doha. Much so. We understand delegation has left for doha. We were always talking about what kind of leveraged this government would have, given the americans and the taliban struck a deal last year and where did that leave the afghan government in terms of Peace Deals . If we look at the situation now, its certainly very clear where that has left the afghan government. Clear where that has left the afghan government clear where that has left the afghan government. Thank you so much for our government. Thank you so much for your analysis government. Thank you so much for your analysis and government. Thank you so much for your analysis and on government. Thank you so much for your analysis and on your government. Thank you so much for your analysis and on your reporting l your analysis and on your reporting over the last few weeks and months on what is happening in afghanistan. We are also going to look at foreign interests and what is being said by key diplomats and politicians around the world. Here in the uk, we have had some very interesting analysis. The mp tom tugendhat, is chair of the uks foreign affairs select committee, hes been telling us his concerns about the situation in afghanistan. It is heartbreaking. These are people who i and many other british soldiers and airmen served alongside. I lived there for four years and these showed enormous courage in standing up. These are not foreigners, these other afghan brothers and sister and to see this destruction is heartbreaking, especially when so unnecessary. 10,000 nato soldiers were maintaining a force of 400,000 afghan troops were maintaining that as we left we strip them of the Power'>Combat Power and there was no tomorrow and in doing so we abandoned the afghan people and this is the result. This is the decision that President Biden and other nato leaders have taken. My colleague from bbc persian, Farhad Tayebjoins Me now. Just from your point of view, the situation In Kabul must be so tense with everybody aware that Taliban Fighters are encircling the city. Ihit fighters are encircling the city. Gift the moment, fighters are encircling the city. Git the moment, the focus has turned into, by authorities, to try and calm the public down. It has been asked for the taliban to respect Peoples Safety and property and also ask the residents of kabul to remain calm. After earlier reports of Widespread Panic across the city with helicopters still flying rapidly between the us embassy and the airport, trying to evacuate us personnel and other international colleagues and forces working there. We also had a very panicky mood with shops being boarded up and people in an absolute state of Panic And Shock and not knowing what to do. People had gone to banks to try and withdraw money and they had been turned away by Bank Officials and is also people had reported that the Cash Machines had stopped working. So, as you are saying earlier, the focus has shifted to the peace negotiations. The member of the Afghanistans Piece negotiating team has been quoted by a News Agency saying that Abdullah Abdullah was leading the negotiations on behalf of the government and he is on his way to doha to try and work out the details of how this peaceful transfer of Power that the taliban speaking off everyone else hopes for and he is trying to work out the details in the coming days. I spoke to an afghan details in the coming days. I spoke to an afghan diplomats, details in the coming days. I spoke to an afghan diplomats, a details in the coming days. I spoke to an afghan diplomats, a former. To an afghan diplomats, a former ambassador earlier this our, saying that any new administration has to be Broad Based but do we have any idea of whether the taliban are interested in a Broad Based administration . Interested in a broadbased administration . Interested in a broadbased administration . ~. ,. ,. , administration . What we heard from the very lengthy administration . What we heard from the very lengthy Interview Administration . What we heard from the very lengthy interview with i administration . What we heard from the very lengthy interview with the i the very lengthy interview with the spokesperson, Suhail Shaheen, In Doha is that they very much want an exclusive government and they have asked government, including the military, to stay at theirjobs and the hope is across afghanistan is for a peaceful transfer of Power and it remains to be seen how words are actually turned into action. It is such a difficult actually turned into action. It is such a difficult time actually turned into action. It is such a difficult time for those in institutions in afghanistan likely Security Forces the judiciary for example. If they feel that resisting may feel bloodshed. Yes. Example. If they feel that resisting may feel bloodshed. May feel bloodshed. Yes, thats ri. Ht. We may feel bloodshed. Yes, thats right we are may feel bloodshed. Yes, thats right. We are hearing may feel bloodshed. Yes, thats right. We are hearing some i may feel bloodshed. Yes, thats i right. We are hearing some spreading reports that what the taliban are saying to their western audience and to other people is quite different to other people is quite different to the situation on the ground. We have had reports of all atrocities taking place in the areas that they have captured. In herat that fell to the taliban recently, they have banned women and girls from going to school or being in offices where they have worked along their male colleagues for many years. The message from the taliban office In Doha is people have been fighting for what they believe to be a fully islamic state in afghanistan. What that means and how they are interpreted, their soldiers and their faces interpreted, their soldiers and theirfaces on interpreted, their soldiers and their faces on the grounds, is often quite different from what they say in their interviews, so we just have to do. Very dramatic and critical times in afghanistan and we will just have to wait what happens in the next few days and judge the situation on that. The next few days and udge the situation on that. Situation on that. Thank you for Oinin Situation on that. Thank you for jOining Us situation on that. Thank you for jOining Us and situation on that. Thank you for jOining Us and bringing situation on that. Thank you for jOining Us and bringing us i situation on that. Thank you for jOining Us and bringing us your| jOining Us and bringing us your analysis here on bbc news. So much is happening but what has become very clear in the last hour or so is that the talk now is of transition of Power and there is a delegation already on its way from afghanistan to doha to talk with the taliban bear, the political bureau of the taliban. We have been talking about what the taliban means when they say they may be a inclusive government or a Broad Based government and whether their words can be taken as offering any value. That is very much Up In The Air but the taliban have been very clear that although they surround kabul, they do not intend there to be fighting on the streets and they do not intend there to be violence. Much more to come on bbc news. To stay with us. Hello there. We have got a mixture of weather through the rest of the day across the uk. Still some patchy Rain And Drizzle around with some areas seeing sunshine. Particularly towards east anglia, the East Midlands for a while before it tends to cloud later in the west. More clouds bringing more showers into wales and the south west of england. Patchy rain moving down across northern england, allowing brighter skies in northern ireland. A lot of cars coming into scotland with heavy showers in the north, where it feels quite chilly today. For the cricket at lords in the afternoon session, there will be some sunshine around before it clouds over a bit more into the evening session. There should be a full days play. It is shaping up to be an exciting test match. More clouds and some showery Rain Today this evening. We have got these bands of showers moving down away from scotland and into the North East of england. More clouds out of the west, keeping temperatures up and clearer skies in the North East of scotland. Temperatures in the morning about seven or 8 degrees. Most of the rain will be moving out into the north sea. We draw down this north westerly breeze and that brings cool air right down across the north of the country. A few early showers and then we will see sunshine breaking out in Eastern England as well as eastern scotland. Out towards the west, theres more clouds and some patchy Rain And Drizzle later on. Temperatures are only 17 degrees in the Central Belt of scotland. Maybe 19 or 28 in england. The air is coming from the Mid Atlantic and its coming from high pressure. It is a long Sea Track which means more moisture being picked up and a lot of cloud driving our way on tuesday. There could be some patchy Rain And Drizzle to clear away from wales and england in the morning leading to some showers in the afternoon. Most places will be dry with not much sunshine around. Temperatures will be struggling up to around 18 or 19 degrees. It is a quiet week ahead but expect a lot of clouds around. For much of the time, it will be fine and dry but it is not very warm for this time of the year. This is bbc news, im Yalda Hakim. Our top story. The rush to leave kabul, as the taliban make rapid advances, right to the edge of the afghan capital. The advancing taliban forces have set free prisoners from kabul� s jail, but there are no confirmed reports of fighting within the capital itself. Afghanistans Interior Minister says negotiations are taking place to ensure a peaceful transition of Power and the city will not be attacked. Taliban militants have rolled through the entire country in a matter of weeks. In a bbc interview, a spokesman says women will be safe, if they wear the hijab. The policy is that women can have access to education and to work and of course, they will observe the hijab, that is it