Official reports say Taliban commander Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada released a directive on women's rights in Afghanistan on Friday.

The new directive, which was issued by Taliban Government Spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid, requires the appropriate institutions to take steps to execute it.

The decree comprises six paragraphs, one of which deals with adult women's permission to marry and the prohibition of doing so under duress or compulsion.

It further states that women are not to be considered as property and that they will not be modified or donated as part of a peace pact or to cease hostility.

Furthermore, widows will have legal rights to the deceased husband's possessions and will be able to remarry or select their path in life.

The directive must be implemented and publicized by the ministries of Hajj and Religious Affairs, Information and Culture, the Supreme Court, and province and district governors.