KABUL: Taliban ‘Supreme Leader’ Haibatullah Akhundzada appointed Maulvi Abdul Kabir as acting prime minister of Afghanistan, following reports that prime minister Mullah Muhammad Hassan Akhund suffered illness.
According to the Afghanistan-based Khaama Press, Maulvi Kabir will now lead the Taliban government until Akhundzada recovers. Haibatullah Akhundzada has been the Taliban government’s prime minister since it retook control in 2021.
Haibatullah Akhundzada was reportedly suffering from a heart condition, citing persons acquainted with the situation, although Taliban leaders are yet to release any specifics about Akhundzada’s sickness,
Maulvi Kabir, a member of the Zadran tribe in eastern Paktika province, formerly served as governor of Nangarhar province under the Taliban rule from 1996 to 2001.
As an influential Taliban official, has played an important role in the Qatar discussions with the US.
His role resulted in the signing of the Doha deal, a crucial milestone in which the US and the Taliban reached a deal defining a framework for peace and the withdrawal of US soldiers from Afghanistan.
The accord sought to enhance intra-Afghan dialogue and pave the way for the country’s political solution. The withdrawal of US soldiers from Afghanistan constituted a watershed moment, as the Taliban quickly gained control of the country.
However, the plan outlined during the discussions could not be executed since the Taliban-led government prohibited women from attending school and from working, violating its vow not to enact laws restricting women’s liberties in Afghanistan.
Maulvi Kabir took several responsibilities within the Taliban following their revival in August 2021. Initially chosen as Akhund’s economic deputy’s assistant, he eventually became the Taliban’s prime minister’s political deputy.
His selections demonstrate that his duties and influence within the Taliban’s leadership structure are increasing.
