A longtime aide to Taliban Interior Minister Siraj-ud-Din Haqqani has issued a rare and pointed critique of the group’s governance style, urging Taliban leaders to move beyond coercion and allow the Afghan people the freedom to judge their rulers.
Abdullah Raihan, who worked closely with Haqqani for over 20 years and now identifies as a journalist, made the remarks in a commentary published Wednesday. Once a key figure in the Taliban’s media operations, Raihan now appears to be advocating for a more inclusive and accountable approach to leadership.
“We must pursue our mission with sincerity,” Raihan wrote, “but the people must have the freedom to assess the legitimacy of our government. Power must be built on trust, not fear.”
He cautioned against branding those who show emotional attachment to Afghanistan’s former tricolour flag as disloyal, a sensitive issue that has led to arrests and alleged torture under Taliban rule. “Maybe we haven’t yet served this nation with the level of sacrifice and honesty it truly deserves,” Raihan reflected.
Recognising Afghanistan’s century-long struggle with conflict and instability, Raihan argued that sustainable governance cannot be achieved within a short span. “The past four years cannot undo a hundred years of pain,” he wrote, calling on the Taliban to use their time in power to improve systems and win hearts.
Raihan was once a trusted media strategist for the Taliban, known for producing pro-insurgency films under the banner of Manba al-Jihad, including Karwan-e-Ghaziyan and Lashkar-e-Badri. He was also described as a “devoted companion” of Haqqani in a memoir by Taliban police spokesperson Khalid Zadran.
Despite this history, Raihan’s recent commentary took on a notably reflective tone. “It doesn’t matter which flag someone supports,” he said. “What matters is that the message of justice behind the white flag must be understood by the people. More importantly, our broken nation must come together under a single symbol and live with dignity.”
He concluded by urging Taliban officials to reflect on their mistakes and work to earn the public’s trust. “Only when our actions match our beliefs, and the foundations of governance are strengthened, can Afghanistan avoid collapse,” Raihan said. “But this requires sincerity, hard work, and genuine sacrifice.”
Raihan’s remarks coincided with Afghanistan’s National Flag Day, a symbolic moment that has in recent years sparked arrests of citizens who displayed the old national flag, underscoring the growing rift between the Taliban regime and segments of the Afghan population.
