Hibatullah Akhundzada Issues Eid al-Fitr Message Emphasizing Unity and Non-Interference in Afghan Affairs
KABUL (Afghan Verified) -- Hibatullah Akhundzada, leader of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, issued a message on March 16 congratulating the people of Afghanistan and Muslims worldwide on Eid al-Fitr. The message, published by Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid and deputy spokesman Hamdullah Fitrat, highlighted the virtues of Ramadan fasting, piety, unity, and social empathy, quoting Quranic verses and hadiths.
Akhundzada called for obedience to officials, support for security and defense forces, and cooperation with the Ministry of Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice to combat corruption and reform youth thinking. He urged Afghans to strengthen unity, avoid ethnic, linguistic, or tribal divisions, and defend the Islamic system. The leader claimed improved security across the country and prayed for the protection of mujahideen, officials, and the sharia regime.
The message sought good relations with Islamic countries based on brotherhood and with others on Islamic principles. Akhundzada asked all sides to respect Afghan beliefs and values and not interfere in internal affairs. He condemned "wrong actions against Muslims and violations of their rights anywhere in the world" without naming specific countries.
Afghanistan International and Amu TV reported the message made no reference to recent Pakistan airstrikes and border clashes, which have caused civilian casualties and displacement according to the United Nations, or to women's and girls' rights amid international criticism. Khaama Press noted the message came amid escalating tensions with Pakistan.
Islamic Emirate spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid separately criticized the UN Security Council's renewal of sanctions against 22 officials as baseless and ineffective.
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Where reports agree
- Hibatullah Akhundzada, Taliban leader, released an Eid al-Fitr message around March 16, 2026
- Message congratulates Muslims on Eid and emphasizes piety, unity, obedience, and support for the Islamic Emirate
- Message calls for non-interference in Afghanistan's internal affairs and good relations with Islamic countries
- Message supports the Ministry of Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice and religious education efforts
Where reports differ
- Some sources highlight silence on Pakistan border clashes/airstrikes (Afghanistan International, Amu TV, Khaama Press) while others do not mention it
- Some sources note absence of reference to women's/girls' rights or education (Afghanistan International, Amu TV) while pro-Taliban sources omit this observation
- Critical sources portray message amid ongoing Pakistan tensions; official/pro sources focus solely on content without context
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