Bad news from the Taliban

Dr. Jassim Taqui

DG Al-Bab Institute for Strategic Studies

Islamabad, September 7, 2021: After a long wait, the Taliban announced a “new Islamic Government,” which gives their mullahs total and absolute hold on power.

A day after capturing Panjshir valley and completing their takeover of the country, the Taliban have announced key positions for the new government in Afghanistan, reported 24News HD TV channel Tuesday.

Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said that the new caretaker government will be led by Mullah Mohammad Hasan Akhund.

Mullah Bradar, the head of the Taliban's political office, has been appointed as the new vice president.

Zabihullah Mujahid said that Hassan Akhund has been appointed acting prime minister, while Mullah Abdul Ghani Bradar will be acting deputy prime minister.

Mullah Ameer Khan Muttaqi has been appointed as acting foreign minister whereas Abas Stanekzai has been appointed acting deputy foreign minister, and Mullah Yaqoob has been appointed acting defense minister.

Siraj Haqqani has been named acting Interior minister while Mullah Khair Wazir will be acting minister for information.

Hidayatullah Badri has been named as acting finance minister and Sheikhullah Munir as acting education minister.

Maulvi Abdul Hakim Shariah has been named acting law minister while Mullah Hidayatullah will be acting minister for environment  

Khalilul Rehman Haqqani has been named as minister for displaced persons.

In response to questions, the Taliban spokesman clarified that this is an "acting" government with "acting" ministers and will not be the future government.

 "It was agreed that we would announce a new government before a formal ceremony could be held," Ahmadullah Wasiq had said earlier, adding "some members" of the cabinet would be announced at the press conference underway.

PS

It should be noted this government of “acting everything” represents the mullahs of the Taliban. Women are not represented as expected. Other ethnic and linguistic sections of the society and minorities are also ignored. The cabinet is only a tiny image of the mentality of the Taliban. Coming days will disclose the true double game and double talk of the mullahs. Additionally, it is expected that the mullahs would be involved in factional battles and power struggles.

Ostensibly, this government of the mullahs is the Taliban’s Sunni version of the Shiite mullah in Iran. Thus, a sectarian dimension of the cabinet is deliberately created.

The absentees are many, the bureaucrats, the civilian elites, the liberals, intellectuals, and seculars. Enjoy the show.