Taliban’s Defence Minister Claims Political Pressure Ineffective

Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid, the Defence Minister for the Taliban, declared during a Kabul meeting that political pressures exerted on the group’s government remain ineffective.

Mujahid suggested that instead, such pressures fortify the bond between the populace and the Taliban.

This statement was made at a symposium organised by the Taliban's Ministry of Borders and Tribal Affairs, focused on "Strengthening the Islamic System and National Unity," held at the Loya Jirga Hall.

Mujahid criticised the opposition’s political leaders, accusing them of exploiting ethnic sentiments to the detriment of national interests.

He urged the Afghan population to reject any individual or group fostering sedition.

Taliban media outlets reported from the meeting and highlighted Mujahid's claim about past efforts to sow discord among Afghans, which he noted had achieved partial success, though specific projects were not mentioned.

Additionally, Mohammad Khalid Hanafi, the Minister of Vice and Virtue, reiterated the Taliban's stance against division, asserting the regime's commitment to unity across ethnic lines. Hanafi also boasted of the Taliban's achievements in eradicating poppy cultivation and addressing drug addiction issues within the country.