Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada has issued a verbal decree abolishing the office of Deputy Prime Minister for Political Affairs, leading to the dismissal of 255 employees, including senior officials, according to multiple sources in Kabul.
Two sources familiar with the matter confirmed that the directive was implemented on Tuesday, 29 April, resulting in the complete closure of the office of the Taliban's Deputy Prime Minister for Political Affairs. Among those removed were Maulawi Zakir, the chief of staff of the deputy prime minister, and Mohammad Hassan Haqyar, a senior adviser.
The move eliminates nearly all of the office’s approximately 300 administrative roles, with only 45 staff primarily tasked with securing the Sepadar Palace retained in their positions.
Following the restructuring, Sepadar Palace has come under the control of Abdul Kabir, currently the Taliban’s Minister of Refugees. Sources report that Kabir, who previously held the now-defunct position of Deputy Prime Minister for Political Affairs, will use the palace as both his residence and office.
Despite his reassignment, Abdul Kabir has yet to assume responsibilities at the Ministry of Refugees, reportedly due to security concerns and dissatisfaction with the role. Since his appointment, he has continued to operate from Sepadar Palace.
The Taliban leadership has not issued an official statement on the elimination of the office and the position. However, on the same day the decree was enforced, the Prime Minister’s Office announced the removal of an additional 222 positions from the administrative structure of the group's premiership, also on the orders of Akhundzada.
