Taliban say chief Haibatullah Akhundzada met senior officials in Kandahar

Published December 14, 2021
This undated file photo handout released by the Afghan Taliban shows Haibatullah Akhundzada posing for a photograph at an undisclosed location. — AFP/File
This undated file photo handout released by the Afghan Taliban shows Haibatullah Akhundzada posing for a photograph at an undisclosed location. — AFP/File

Taliban supreme leader Haibatullah Akhundzada met senior officials in southern Kandahar on Tuesday and urged them to avoid favouritism while making appointments and to avoid accepting gifts.

The Kandahar governor's office issued a statement about the Taliban chief's meeting days after media reports surfaced claiming that officials of the ousted Afghan regime and Western analysts believed Akhundzada died years ago.

Earlier, Taliban officials had dismissed reports about the death of the Taliban chief — who has not yet made a public appearance.

However, last month he reportedly addressed supporters Kandahar. No photographs or videos were released, but a 10-minute audio recording was shared by Taliban social media accounts.

“Afghanistan is now free of invasion [...] and Afghans now live [with] peace and dignity,” the statement quoted Akhundzada as telling senior officials at the Governor House. Minister for Hajj Maulvi Noor Mohammad Saqib and Kandahar Governor Mohammad Yousaf Wafa were also present.

No photographs, audio clips or videos of Tuesday's meeting were released to the media. However, it is the first time the Taliban has released an official statement about Akhundzada's meetings.

“We were victorious and the war has ended. Peace has been established round-the-clock and all Afghans now lead a happy life,” the Taliban chief said.

He urged leaders to treat the people well, adding that all military institutions must promote good character among the Taliban. He pressed the heads of institutions to hold sittings with religious scholars and consult with them about official work.

“Avoid favouritism and nepotism in appointments at government institutions and appoint those who are capable and pious. Do not accept gifts from anyone,” the statement quoted him as saying.

The Taliban leader also called upon officials to hold meetings with the public. “The time is ripe for Islam, the country and the people. Try your best to serve the people,” he said. He also pressed officials to protect the government's treasury.

Opinion

Editorial

Kurram atrocity
22 Nov, 2024

Kurram atrocity

WITH the situation in KP’s Kurram tribal district already volatile for the past several months, the murderous...
Persistent grip
22 Nov, 2024

Persistent grip

PAKISTAN has now registered 50 polio cases this year. We all saw it coming and yet there was nothing we could do to...
Green transport
22 Nov, 2024

Green transport

THE government has taken a commendable step by announcing a New Energy Vehicle policy aiming to ensure that by 2030,...
Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...