Taliban Rejects Claims Of Interior Minister Haqqani’s Resignation

The Taliban’s Ministry of Interior has denied reports that Sirajuddin Haqqani has resigned as Interior Minister.

Abdul Mateen Qani, the ministry’s spokesperson, dismissed the claims on Monday. He called them false and urged media outlets to stop spreading “propaganda far from reality.”

In an official statement, the ministry insisted the reports were baseless. It called on journalists to verify information before publishing.

Speculation about Haqqani’s resignation arose due to his prolonged absence from the ministry, lasting nearly 50 days. After visiting the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, he did not return to Kabul. Instead, he moved to his hometown in Khost. Sources say he has been frequently shifting between Khost and North Waziristan.

Neither Haqqani nor his representatives have given an official explanation for his extended absence.

Reports of tensions between Haqqani and Taliban Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada have surfaced repeatedly. Haqqani has previously criticised the group’s leadership. In a speech last December, he indirectly challenged Akhundzada, stating, “One should not think that just because I am the ruler, everyone must accept my words, and if they don’t, the sky will fall.”