Sirajuddin Haqqani has ordered the redeployment of a number of Taliban forces previously transferred to “active reserve” status, sources within the Taliban’s Interior Ministry said, citing a growing shortage of personnel.
According to the sources, the decision reverses part of an earlier directive issued by the Taliban leader and reflects concerns over a lack of experienced and specialised staff within key departments.
An official letter, a copy of which was obtained by Afghanistan International, says the order was issued based on a verbal instruction from Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada. The document states that personnel placed on active reserve may be reassigned to duty if operational needs arise.
The letter specifies that rehiring these individuals does not require approval from the security vetting commission. However, Haqqani stressed that redeployment is permitted only if the relevant department faces staffing shortages and requires skilled and experienced personnel.
The document outlines conditions for reinstatement, stating that individuals must have religious, modern or technical education and that their reappointment must not conflict with existing Taliban decrees and procedures. It adds that nominations must be based on assessed needs and made at the recommendation of the relevant authority.
The document further says those eligible for redeployment must not have committed any criminal offence during the period between being placed on active reserve and their reinstatement.
Responsibility for implementing the order has been assigned to the administrative deputy of the Taliban’s Interior Ministry, while the ministry’s general audit department has been tasked with overseeing compliance.
Sources said the Interior Ministry has faced serious staffing shortages after sidelining a number of professional personnel, prompting Taliban officials to reconsider earlier decisions.
Afghanistan International previously reported that the Taliban leader had ordered the removal of 20 precent of staff from the ministries of interior, defence and intelligence, transferring them to active reserve. That report was based on internal documents from the institutions.
