The Kabul Tribune (KT) — Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesman for the Taliban, said criticism of the newly approved “Separation of Spouses” regulation is not significant and that the group does not give importance to such reactions.
Speaking on Wednesday, May 23, 2026, in an interview with a state-run television outlet under Taliban control, Mujahid defended the regulation, saying its provisions are based on Hanafi jurisprudence and Islamic law.
He specifically referred to provisions related to the marriage of girls, stating that under Islamic jurisprudence, a father or paternal grandfather has the authority to arrange the marriage of a minor child or grandchild, and that such marriages are considered valid under Sharia.
Mujahid stressed that such arrangements are conditional on the guardian being of sound mind and that there is no misuse or abuse involved.
He added that criticism of these provisions is “in conflict with Islamic rulings.”
The remarks come after the Taliban recently approved a 31-page regulation titled “Separation of Spouses,” which includes provisions on child marriage, annulment of marriage, custody, absence of a husband, apostasy and other family-related issues.
However, human rights activists and critics say the regulation effectively legalizes child marriage and could lead to further violations of the rights of women and children.
The Taliban have rejected these criticisms, insisting that the rules are in line with Islamic law.
