Key Points:
- Taliban Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani resigns amid internal leadership dispute
- Differences with Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada over women’s rights, governance, and foreign policy
- Haqqani faction advocates pragmatic policies; Akhundzada favors strict Islamic rule
- Resignation highlights growing internal divisions within Taliban leadership
- Haqqani recently returned from medical treatment abroad; tensions escalate further
Kabul: In a significant development highlighting internal turmoil within Afghanistan’s Taliban regime, Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani has resigned from his position amid escalating disagreements with Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada. Haqqani’s resignation underscores the widening ideological and political rift between the Taliban’s hardline leadership and its relatively pragmatic factions.
According to informed sources, Sirajuddin Haqqani’s decision to step down came after prolonged differences with Taliban Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada over key policy issues. These include the controversial ban on women’s education, restrictive governance practices, and the group’s increasingly strained foreign relations. Reports suggest that Haqqani had repeatedly voiced his dissatisfaction internally before finally deciding to resign.
Haqqani, who recently returned to Kabul after receiving medical treatment overseas, is reportedly resting at his residence. His resignation is seen as a clear indication of escalating tensions within the Taliban’s top echelons, where ideological and strategic divisions have become increasingly apparent.
Why Did Haqqani Resign?
Sirajuddin Haqqani and his influential faction have long advocated for a more pragmatic approach in governing Afghanistan. They argue that softening policies on women’s rights, particularly education and workforce participation, would help secure international recognition and economic assistance. In contrast, Supreme Leader Akhundzada remains staunchly committed to implementing strict Islamic law without compromise or concession to external pressures.
This ideological conflict has intensified dramatically in recent months. Sources close to the Taliban indicate that Haqqani’s resignation was inevitable given the widening gap between his moderate stance and Akhundzada’s rigid conservatism.
Haqqani Network’s Influence and Background:
The Haqqani Network, led by Sirajuddin Haqqani, is widely regarded as one of the most powerful factions within the Taliban movement. Established by Jalaluddin Haqqani in the 1970s, this militant group has historically maintained strong operational independence and deep-rooted connections with extremist entities such as al-Qaeda. Known for orchestrating some of Afghanistan’s deadliest terror attacks including suicide bombings and coordinated assaults the Haqqanis have played a pivotal role in shaping Afghanistan’s security landscape over decades.
Following the Taliban takeover in 2021, Sirajuddin was appointed Interior Minister, significantly increasing his influence within the regime. However, recent months have seen escalating tensions between his faction and Akhundzada’s conservative Kandahari group. Observers note that this power struggle has intensified dramatically in recent months, particularly after the assassination of Khalil-ur-Rahman Haqqani Sirajuddin’s uncle in late 2024.
Haqqani’s resignation comes shortly after returning from medical treatment abroad. Sources close to him indicate growing discontent among his supporters regarding Akhundzada’s uncompromising stance on governance issues. Afghan political analysts warn that if these internal divisions persist or deepen further, they could destabilize the Taliban government significantly.
The resignation underscores an emerging ideological divide between conservative hardliners loyal to Akhundzada who prioritize strict adherence to fundamentalist doctrines and pragmatists like Sirajuddin Haqqani who favor moderate reforms aimed at international legitimacy.
As Afghanistan continues grappling with severe economic hardships and diplomatic isolation under Taliban rule, this internal discord poses serious questions about stability and governance moving forward. Experts caution that unresolved leadership tensions could potentially fracture Taliban unity further, threatening not only internal cohesion but also regional security dynamics across South Asia.
