Taliban Leader Calls For Unity In Eid Message, Avoids Mentioning Women’s Rights
Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada called for unity and warned against internal divisions in his Eid al-Fitr message released on Thursday.
Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada called for unity and warned against internal divisions in his Eid al-Fitr message released on Thursday.
In the statement, Akhundzada cited a Quranic verse urging Muslims to avoid disputes in matters of jihad. He described unity as the key to success, encouraging Taliban members to strengthen it and remain alert to “enemy conspiracies.”
Akhundzada emphasised his commitment to defending Afghanistan’s Islamic system and Sharia-based governance, while notably omitting any mention of women’s rights or the ongoing ban on girls’ education beyond sixth grade.
He claimed Afghans now celebrate Eid in safety and happiness under Taliban rule. Akhundzada contrasted this with previous conditions, when he said citizens faced bombings, house searches, imprisonment, and funerals instead of celebrations.
Addressing economic concerns, Akhundzada dismissed reports of widespread poverty in Afghanistan as “propaganda” aimed at discouraging people. However, international organisations, including the United Nations, report that nearly half of Afghanistan’s population faces poverty and unemployment. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs recently noted that almost 23 million Afghans require humanitarian aid.
In his message, Akhundzada praised the Taliban’s Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, saying its efforts had significantly reduced wrongdoing. He called for further cooperation between the Taliban and the public to eliminate corruption and uphold Islamic morals.
Akhundzada instructed Taliban-controlled institutions to align educational curricula with Sharia law, reinforcing the implementation of Islamic punishments under Hanafi jurisprudence in Taliban courts.
On international affairs, Akhundzada condemned Israeli attacks on Gaza, describing them as acts of oppression and horror. He urged Islamic countries to support Palestinians in reclaiming their rights, emphasising that the issue of Palestine concerns the entire Muslim world.
Since regaining power, the Taliban have faced widespread international condemnation for severe restrictions imposed on women and girls. Akhundzada, who governs from Kandahar, continues issuing restrictive decrees that have drawn sharp criticism globally.
