Taliban Leader Cautions Against Factionalism In Eid Address

In his message for Eid al-Adha, Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada twice called on Taliban officials to refrain from interfering in one another’s affairs. He warned that such behaviour leads to “disorder, mistrust and discomfort.”

Addressing the group’s leadership, Akhundzada emphasised that officials should implement Sharia in their own lives before attempting to enforce it on others, and should not meddle in one another’s responsibilities.

He urged Taliban members to “maintain coordination with one another, refrain from interfering in each other’s duties, and make every effort to apply Sharia first to themselves and then to others.”

The message, addressed to “Muslim brothers,” was published by Taliban authorities on Wednesday.

Akhundzada reiterated the importance of obeying his “orders and commands,” describing such obedience as “necessary and obligatory.” The message stated: “Obey the orders and commands of the Emir, for it is necessary and obligatory. Everyone must observe this and move forward within the framework of obedience.”

The Taliban leader again stressed the implementation of Islamic law (Sharia).

He also advised students and madrasa scholars to focus on their studies and “not waste their time on meaningless things.”

However, Akhundzada made no mention of the reopening of schools and universities for girls, which have remained closed for nearly four years.

The only reference to “women” in the message concerned Israeli attacks on Palestinian women and children.

Over the past four years, Akhundzada has issued multiple decrees that have severely restricted the rights of Afghan women in both public and private life.