Photo of Mullah Omar Visible in Taliban Public Works Minister's Office Amid Image Ban
KABUL — Official photos published by Afghanistan's Ministry of Public Works on social media show a picture of Mullah Mohammad Omar displayed in Acting Minister Mohammad Eisa Thani's office during a meeting with Iranian Ambassador Alireza Beikdeli on April 7, 2026 (18 Hamal).
The image of the Taliban's late founder appears on a book cover in a cabinet behind Thani, as captured in images from the meeting released by the ministry.
The display contradicts Article 17 of the Taliban's Amr bil Ma'ruf and Nahi anil Munkar law, which prohibits the publication of images of living beings, especially humans. The Taliban has enforced the ban in at least 25 provinces, with plans for further expansion.
Implementation of the image ban has revealed internal divisions within Taliban leadership. The prime minister, higher education minister, and Amr bil Ma'ruf minister have complied by avoiding the publication of photos. In contrast, deputy prime ministers, the interior minister, and the defense minister have continued to share images on social media.
The ministry's release of the photos underscores ongoing debates over adherence to the morality enforcement law.
Know more about this story?
If you have additional information or believe something is inaccurate, let us know. Your tips help us stay accurate.
Sources (1)
More in Politics
Agreement Signed to Simplify Building Permit Issuance in Kabul
Two Officials at Taliban Ministry of Public Health Detained for Month on Corruption Charges
Rural Rehabilitation and Development Minister Meets Kapisa Deputy Governor
JUI-F Leader Fazlur Rehman Accuses Pakistani Officials of US Allegiance
ReliableAgreement Signed to Simplify Building Permit Issuance in Kabul
Officials from the Islamic Emirate's administrative bodies and Kabul Municipality signed an agreement to reduce building permit issuance from 455 steps over 389 days to 69 steps in 20 days. The reforms, based on recent decrees, seek to reduce bureaucracy and improve urban services.
ReliableTwo Officials at Taliban Ministry of Public Health Detained for Month on Corruption Charges
Two officials at the Taliban Ministry of Public Health, Abdul Samad Bashiri and Omran Sadat, have been detained for about a month by Taliban intelligence on corruption charges. A raid on Health Minister Noor Jalal Jalali's home resulted in arrests, though his son escaped amid bribery allegations.
ReliableRural Rehabilitation and Development Minister Meets Kapisa Deputy Governor
Mullah Abdul Latif Mansour, Minister of Rural Rehabilitation and Development, met with Kapisa Deputy Governor Sheikh Asadullah Sinan and provincial ministry head Mullah Abdul Samad Sadiq. The deputy governor discussed ongoing projects and local problems, while the minister committed to balanced development for needs and jobs.
ReliableJUI-F Leader Fazlur Rehman Accuses Pakistani Officials of US Allegiance
Maulana Fazlur Rehman, leader of Pakistan's JUI-F, accused officials of being 'slaves of the US' and supporting Israel amid criticisms of trade policies and fuel prices. He announced plans for protests starting February 12 in Mardan.