Taliban Leader Seeks Coordination & Obedience From Security Ministers

Abdul Mateen Qani, spokesperson for the Taliban's Ministry of Interior, said that Mullah Hibatullah, the leader of the group, ordered coordination and obedience during a meeting with the Taliban's Ministers of Defense, Interior, and the Head of Intelligence.

According to the Taliban, the group's leader met with Sirajuddin Haqqani, Yaqoob Mujahid, and Abdul Haq Wasiq in Kandahar on Sunday.

In an interview with Tolo News on Monday, this Taliban's spokesperson discussed the details of the meeting and said that Hibatullah instructed the heads of the Taliban's security organs to obey his commands and those of the Prime Minister's Office.

Previously, Zabihullah Mujahid, Taliban’s spokesperson said that the heads of the group's security organs discussed "challenges" during their meeting with Mullah Hibatullah, but Mujahid did not provide further details about these challenges.

The Taliban's Ministry of Interior spokesperson stated that the group's leadership is focused on professionalism and good behaviour towards the people.

The Taliban leader's order for obedience to his commands comes despite repeated criticisms from Haqqani and Mullah Yaqoob, the Taliban's Ministers of Interior and Defense.

In February 2023, Haqqani criticised the "monopoly of power" at a meeting in Khost province, stating that the current situation is unacceptable.

In response to Haqqani's remarks, the Taliban spokesperson said that Islamic ethics dictate that criticism of the "Emir" should not disrespect him. Without naming anyone, Zabihullah Mujahid said that criticism of the "Emir" should be done in private.
There have been previous reports that the heads of the Taliban's security organs do not attend meetings with the Prime Minister and his deputies.