Haqqani Yet To Return To Afghanistan Amid Discontent With Taliban Leader, Sources Say

Sirajuddin Haqqani, the Taliban’s Interior Minister, has not returned to Afghanistan for nearly a month, despite earlier claims by the Taliban spokesperson that he had re-entered the country two weeks ago, sources told Afghanistan International on Monday.

According to multiple sources, Haqqani remains outside Afghanistan due to his dissatisfaction with the unilateral decisions of Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada.

On January 21, the Taliban announced that Haqqani and Abdul Haq Wasiq, head of the Taliban’s intelligence agency, had travelled to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). However, Haqqani has yet to return, and the Taliban has provided no updates on his recent activities.

Sources suggest that Haqqani, a key figure within the Haqqani Network, is increasingly frustrated with Akhundzada’s leadership, particularly his hardline policies on women’s education and governance.

Additionally, Abbas Stanekzai, the Taliban’s Deputy Foreign Minister, has reportedly taken refuge in the UAE due to his criticism of Akhundzada’s restrictive policies on women’s rights.

According to reports, Haqqani is particularly concerned about Akhundzada’s efforts to consolidate power, including the transfer of elite Taliban special forces and military assets to Kandahar. 313 Badar Army Corps, previously under Haqqani Network influence, was relocated to Kandahar, Akhundzada’s stronghold. Azizuddin, Haqqani’s close ally and former Badar commander, was removed from his position. Kandahar’s security chief, a key Haqqani associate, was dismissed and replaced by Mawlawi Abdul Ahad Talib, one of Akhundzada’s trusted men.

Observers see these moves as Akhundzada’s attempt to tighten control over the Taliban’s security apparatus and reduce Haqqani’s influence within the group.

Sources indicate that Sirajuddin Haqqani is currently residing in Dubai, reportedly with his Arab mother. During his stay, he also travelled to Saudi Arabia for Umrah, despite having already performed Hajj in June 2024.

Meanwhile, Mullah Baradar, the Taliban’s Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, has travelled to Doha for a one-month medical treatment, according to a UN Security Council report on February 15.

The prolonged absence of senior Taliban officials has fuelled speculation of growing internal rifts within the group.

Earlier this year, the UN Security Council granted travel exemptions to three high-ranking Taliban officials, allowing them to travel to Saudi Arabia and the UAE for diplomatic and religious purposes.