Haqqani Acknowledges Possible Taliban Retaliation Against Former Afghan Officials

Taliban Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani has acknowledged that some members of the group may have taken personal revenge against former Afghan government officials, despite an official policy of general amnesty.

Speaking on Wednesday, June 25, at a gathering of officials and families of Taliban fighters in Kapisa province, Haqqani said it was possible that certain Taliban members had acted independently and violated others’ rights. He stressed that such actions were not sanctioned by the Taliban leadership and that those responsible would be held accountable before God.

Haqqani described the Taliban's rule as a divine test and urged officials to serve with humility and integrity, warning that misconduct could damage the regime's reputation. He asserted that the Taliban government embodies “religion, Sharia, and the martyrs,” and emphasised that the preservation of the regime and service to the people are sacred responsibilities.

The Taliban announced a general amnesty following its return to power in August 2021. However, the United Nations and human rights organisations have consistently reported that former members of the security forces and government have been subjected to arbitrary detention, torture and extrajudicial killings under Taliban rule.

Haqqani has called on Taliban members to remember the hardships of war and to act in a manner that reflects the values for which they fought, reinforcing that their conduct should support the strength and stability of the regime.