Appointments Should Be Based On Merit, Not Nepotism, Says Taliban Leader

The Taliban announced in a statement that their leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, has instructed the group’s governors to avoid appointments based on personal relationships and nepotism.

He stated that the appointment of employees should be based on securing the interests of the Taliban government.

The Taliban reported that Akhundzada, during a visit to Kabul, told the governors that obedience, being a fundamental principle of Islam, is obligatory for everyone.

In the statement released by the Taliban on Friday, it has been mentioned that Akhundzada urged the group's governors to refrain from disobedience.

According to the statement, the Taliban leader also instructed their governors to prioritise the promotion of faith and beliefs in their duties, encouraging people to pray and uphold their faith.

The Taliban stated that on Thursday, Akhundzada, for the first time participated in governors’ meeting in the capital. In a brief excerpt from the group leader's speech to the governors, he warned against "oppression" and "injustice," stating that the "public treasury" belongs to "widows, orphans, the disabled, and the poor."

The speech also emphasised that officials are obligated to perform their specific duties, and no one should impose additional responsibilities on others.