Sirajuddin Haqqani, the Taliban’s Interior Minister, participated in a recent high-level meeting in Kandahar without making a formal request to meet with the group’s reclusive leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, sources told Afghanistan International.
According to the sources, Haqqani’s attendance at the meeting was made possible through the mediation of Defence Minister Mohammad Yaqub Mujahid and Taliban intelligence chief Abdulhaq Wasiq. The Taliban leader reportedly rejected a proposal from Haqqani to establish a new appointments commission.
Roughly two weeks ago, senior Taliban officials, including Yaqub Mujahid and Wasiq, met with Akhundzada in Kandahar. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid had previously confirmed that Haqqani was also present at the security-focused gathering and had delivered a direct report to the leader.
However, sources now indicate that Haqqani’s participation was reluctant and arranged through the mediation efforts of Mujahid and Wasiq. Prior to this, Haqqani had been absent from Taliban leadership meetings for an extended period, reportedly missing all sessions involving Akhundzada over the previous two months.
In the meeting, Haqqani proposed the formation of a joint commission headed by himself, Yaqub Mujahid, and Wasiq—a suggestion that was ultimately dismissed by Akhundzada. Long-standing internal disagreements within the Taliban leadership, particularly regarding the formation of an inclusive government and women’s rights, remain unresolved.
During the discussions, Akhundzada reportedly made his stance clear, stating, “There will be no negotiation on anything. This is my decision. I am the Amir, and my word must be accepted.”
Sources confirmed that the meeting between Haqqani and Akhundzada took place on the night of Friday, 28 March, with the aim of addressing ongoing misunderstandings within the group’s leadership. They added that Abdulhaq Wasiq has been engaged in long-term efforts to mediate between Haqqani and the Taliban supreme leader.
