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Najib’s remarks appeared to respond to reactions within the Taliban following recent comments by Sirajuddin Haqqani, the group’s interior minister, which were widely interpreted as critical of the leadership’s governing approach.

Speaking on Sunday, 14 December, at a graduation ceremony for Taliban police in Maidan Wardak province, Najib said: “I have held private meetings with each of the leaders. There is no idea in their minds that someone else should replace the Amir al-Mumineen. The thought that another person should become amir does not exist at all.”

He said all senior Taliban officials continue to fight opponents of the system under the leadership of Hibatullah.

In another part of his speech, Najib said establishing a system based on democratic values in Afghanistan was impossible and lacked public support. “To those who chant slogans of democracy, I say it is not worth getting yourselves killed for it,” he said. “Democracy is not a formula for which you should suffer.”

Najib also called for firm action against those who act against what he described as the system.

His insistence on unity among Taliban leaders appeared aimed at clarifying or countering remarks made by Haqqani on Friday in Khost. In that speech, Haqqani criticised the Taliban’s style of governance and treatment of the population, implicitly acknowledging that the group relies on humiliation, violence and fear to maintain control.

Speaking at the Meeting of Special Representatives of Afghanistan’s Neighbouring Countries Plus Russia, Mohammad Sadiq Khan said participants shared the view that the threat of terrorism emanating from Afghanistan poses a major challenge to regional security.

He said that the people of Afghanistan have endured immense suffering and deserve better conditions.

He urged the Taliban to take practical steps to ease the hardship faced by Afghans, adding that the most important measure would be the complete and non-discriminatory elimination of all terrorist groups from Afghan territory.

The regional meeting on Afghanistan began on Sunday, in Tehran with the participation of representatives from Russia, Pakistan, China, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. Although invited by Iran, the Taliban declined to attend.

Khan said Afghanistan would only be able to gain the trust of neighbouring and regional countries for meaningful engagement once it is free of terrorist groups. He added that such engagement could help revive Afghanistan’s economic potential and strengthen regional connectivity.

Pakistani officials have repeatedly raised security concerns and accused the Taliban of providing safe haven to Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan militants in Afghanistan. United Nations Security Council reports have confirmed the presence of the group. The Taliban have denied the allegations and accused Pakistan of failing to ensure its own security.

In a statement, the group said the attack targeted a Taliban reserve unit and wounded another member. Local sources, however, told Afghanistan International that an incident took place on Saturday afternoon, in Fayzabad, but said four people were wounded. As in previous cases, the Taliban have not commented on the claim.

The AFF accused the targeted Taliban unit of suppressing public protests and creating an atmosphere of fear to consolidate control by the authorities in Kabul. The group said none of its fighters were harmed in the operation.

The Afghanistan Freedom Front is an armed movement opposed to the Taliban that emerged after the group returned to power. It says it is made up of former military personnel and political opponents of the Taliban.

The AFF says its aim is armed resistance against the Taliban and the establishment of a different political system in Afghanistan. The group has claimed responsibility for a number of attacks on Taliban forces.

He added that Pakistan seeks peace, development and security across the region.

Khan made the remarks at the “Meeting of Special Representatives of Afghanistan’s Neighbouring Countries Plus Russia,” which is focused on developments in Afghanistan.

Special envoys from Russia, Pakistan, China, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan are attending the talks. The Taliban declined to take part in the meeting.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also addressed the gathering, saying the interests of Afghanistan’s neighbours are closely linked to security in the country. He stressed the need to establish regular mechanisms for dialogue among neighbouring states to help promote stability.

The Tehran meeting comes amid heightened regional concerns over security and cross-border threats linked to Afghanistan.

Speaking on Saturday at a graduation ceremony for students at a religious school, Jawad said the Taliban is committed to regional security and stability in line with what he described as “the guidance of Sharia and the country’s interests.”

“We do not want war,” he said. “But if war is imposed on us, we will defend the Sharia-based system and the Islamic homeland in such a way that all current calculations will prove wrong, and the warmongers will experience the greatest regret of their lives.”

His remarks come amid intensified internal discussions among Taliban officials about the group’s authority and the manner in which obedience to the Taliban leader should be exercised.

Jawad also said the Taliban believes Islamic rule is safeguarded through the expansion of religious studies, while the development of modern sciences would bring prosperity and progress to the country.

Jawad, who was appointed deputy intelligence chief after the Taliban seized power in August 2021, has become one of the group’s most controversial figures over the past four years due to repeated threatening statements directed at various individuals and groups.