KABUL, Afghanistan — In a statement delivered on the occasion of Eid al-Adha, Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada reaffirmed his grip on power, labeling obedience to his commands as both “obligatory” and “essential” for all under Taliban governance.
The statement, issued Wednesday via Taliban deputy spokesperson Hamdullah Fitrat, emphasized the need for continued internal cohesion and full implementation of what Akhundzada described as an “Islamic system governed by Sharia law.”
He appealed to religious scholars, community leaders, and intellectuals to play a central role in guiding public discourse, urging them to shape societal views in alignment with Taliban ideology. Their sermons and writings, he added, should help thwart “discord and corruption” while solidifying the regime’s foundation.
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Addressing the judiciary, Akhundzada instructed Taliban judges to deliver verdicts based solely on the legal nature of cases, without regard for the accused’s social or political status. He framed such consistency as a tribute to Taliban fighters who died during the years-long insurgency.
The Taliban’s religious, morality, and higher education ministries were directed to closely collaborate with clerics to reinforce religious devotion and protect the ideological framework of the state. Akhundzada underscored that moral guidance must take precedence in these institutions’ operations.
Turning to the country’s economy, he called on Afghan entrepreneurs to work towards national self-reliance, emphasizing that economic stability is vital for the Taliban’s continued rule. He also directed the Ministry for Refugees to support returning Afghans, despite ongoing challenges reported by repatriates—including lack of access to essential services and the exclusion of girls from formal education.
Akhundzada also cautioned civil and military personnel against interfering in each other’s responsibilities, noting such practices foster disorder, distrust, and internal resentment.
In a rare comment on global affairs, the Taliban chief described the war in Gaza as a “serious humanitarian tragedy,” expressing solidarity with Palestinians amid ongoing violence.
Since reclaiming power in August 2021, Akhundzada has reportedly issued more than 80 edicts, including many that have severely limited women’s and girls’ rights. These orders have triggered international criticism for their wide-reaching restrictions on personal freedoms, education, employment, and civil engagement.
Inside Afghanistan, many critics argue that the Taliban are enforcing an inflexible interpretation of Islam that disregards the country’s ethnic and sectarian diversity. Despite public calls for fairness, legal and media organizations claim that dissent remains heavily punished. Arrests of journalists, religious thinkers, and scholars have reportedly intensified, with several held without formal charges.
According to media watchdogs, at least 15 journalists and media workers, along with three clerics known for their opposition to the Taliban, are currently imprisoned. Some have received sentences of up to three years, while others remain in detention without trial.
One recently freed journalist, who spoke anonymously out of fear for his safety, said:
“Any form of disagreement is met with immediate suppression. The Taliban do not tolerate dissenting views—either you’re silent, or you’re silenced.”
As Afghanistan faces mounting domestic and international scrutiny, the Taliban leadership appears determined to consolidate power further, using religious authority and economic appeals as key tools to secure long-term dominance.