A growing rift between Taliban Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani and supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada has come to light, centring on disputes over inclusive governance and women’s rights. Haqqani attended a recent high-level meeting in Kandahar, reportedly through mediation by Defence Minister Mohammad Yaqub Mujahid and intelligence chief Abdulhaq Wasiq, after months of absence from sessions involving Akhundzada.
Haqqani’s proposal to form a joint appointments commission with Mujahid and Wasiq was flatly rejected by Akhundzada, who reiterated his absolute authority, declaring, “There will be no negotiation… my word must be accepted.” The meeting, held on March 28, underscores persistent internal tensions within the Taliban leadership as key figures push for moderate reforms opposed by the hardline emir.
