Taliban's Passport Chief Detained On Group’s Leader’s Order

Sources informed Afghanistan International that Abdul Karim Hasib, the Taliban's General Director of Passports, has been detained since Thursday, by the order of Hibatullah Akhundzada.

Abdul Matin Qane, the Taliban's Ministry of Interior spokesperson, confirmed that Hasib was summoned to Kandahar in relation to the Nangarhar protests.

On Monday, Qane posted on the social media platform X that Hasib was called to Kandarhar to provide explanations concerning the protests in Nangarhar.

Local residents in the Barikab area of Nangarhar province protested over a land dispute with the Taliban, leading to the blockade of the Torkham-Jalalabad road. The Taliban's response escalated the situation into violence, resulting in at least three fatalities.

Qane also noted that in addition to Hasib, several officials from the Ministries of Interior and Defence were summoned to Kandahar regarding the protests.

According to Qane, the operations at the General Directorate of Passports are continuing normally in Hasib's absence, and there are no concerns within the department.

However, Afghanistan International sources claim there are deeper disagreements between the Taliban leadership and Abdul Karim Hasib after the Nangarhar protests, which led to his detention.

The sources suggested that financial disputes have arisen between Hasib and the Taliban leadership, who have accused him of corruption.