Taliban minister’s remarks spark outrage amid internal power struggles

Controversial comments by the Taliban’s Higher Education Minister, Neda Mohammad Nadeem, have ignited a wave of public backlash and ridicule across Afghan social media, as internal divisions within the Taliban movement continue to intensify.Speaking at an event titled “Explanation of the Decree to Prevent Harmful Traditions,” Nadeem declared that “obedience to the Emir is a divine command,” comparing the Taliban’s supreme leader to the “Caliph of the Prophet Muhammad.” He went further, claiming that insulting the leader is equivalent to insulting the Prophet himself.“These statements are deeply alarming,” activists and commentators said, accusing Nadeem of using religion to sanctify authoritarian rule and silence dissent. Many saw his remarks as a blatant overreach and an attempt to frame the Taliban leader’s authority as unquestionable.The statements come at a time of growing internal tension within the Taliban. Rifts have deepened between supporters of the movement’s reclusive leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, who is based in Kandahar, and the camp of Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani, a key figure within the group who has been openly critical of some leadership decisions.Haqqani had been absent from public view for over a month, raising questions about his political standing, before appearing recently at a security meeting in Kandahar led by Akhundzada. Sources revealed that Haqqani voiced strong criticism of current policies, warning they risk alienating the public and could even lead to internal fractures.