Taliban Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada Urges Countries Not to Interfere in Internal Affairs in Eid Message

Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada issued a message on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr urging countries not to interfere in the group's internal affairs and to respect the beliefs and values of the Afghan people.

In the message, published by spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid, Akhundzada said the Taliban administration seeks good and beneficial relations with countries based on Islamic principles. He condemned wrong actions and violations of rights against Muslims anywhere in the world. Akhundzada called on mullahs and officials to cooperate in reforming the thinking of the youth to prevent corruption, emphasizing the implementation of decrees by the Ministry of Amr bil Maruf and Nahi anil Munkar.

Pajhwok Afghan News reported that Akhundzada, referred to as leader of the Islamic Emirate, stressed Afghan unity, obedience to officials, protection of the Islamic system and avoidance of ethnic, linguistic or sectarian divisions. He highlighted the importance of religious education, construction, development and societal reforms to reduce corruption.

Afghanistan International reported that Akhundzada claimed the people of Afghanistan are living in better security than ever before. The message made no reference to women's education and work or the conflict between Pakistan and the Taliban.

Separately, the UN Security Council Sanctions Committee updated its list on 19 Hoot, placing travel bans, asset freezes and arms embargoes on 22 Taliban officials, including Prime Minister Mohammad Hassan Akhund, Economic Deputy Prime Minister Abdul Ghani Baradar and Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani. Akhundzada's name was not included. The sanctions, under UN Resolution 1988, target those involved in violence, arms supply, recruitment or threats to Afghan peace. The council also extended the mandate of the Taliban sanctions monitoring team for one year.