Today, the Taliban’s Minister of Interior, Sirajuddin Haqqani, indirectly criticized his Emir’s recent decisions in a veiled statement. Without explicitly naming the Emir, Haqqani remarked: “It does not work like this, that you make decisions alone and say, ‘I am the ruler; if someone accepts my words, fine, and if not, the heavens will not collapse.’ No! You are accountable before Allah, and Allah will question you.”
Haqqani further stated that due to certain decisions, “Today, we are unable to answer our people and remain speechless. Those of us who claim to represent religion must act and speak in ways that do not turn people away from faith or the system.”
It is worth noting that Haqqani’s critical remarks come at a time when the Taliban’s Emir, Sheikh Hibatullah Akhundzada, has recently issued decrees banning women’s education and employment. These decisions have faced severe criticism and condemnation both domestically and internationally. Last week, Norway, which was close to formally recognizing the Taliban, reversed its decision for this reason. International voices have urged the Taliban Emir, Mullah Hibatullah, to rescind his gender-discriminatory policies regarding Afghan women.
