Taliban chief asks followers to enforce Sharia

Says it is time to reap the fruits of the 15-year struggle

ISLAMABAD: Afghan Taliban chief Mullah Haibatullah Akhundzada has asked his followers to “enforce Sharia and good governance” in areas under their control.

“During the initial years of occupation, our obligation was to combat against the enemy but now as we have control over many areas of the country, it is time we should reap the fruit of the 15 year-long jihad and implement objectives of jihad,” the Taliban leader said in his Eidul Azha message.



The Eid festival will be celebrated across Afghanistan today (Monday).

Explaining the group’s objectives, the Taliban chief listed implementation of the “Divine Sharia on the land of Allah; to establish justice; maintain stability and security; to protect frontiers and defend life, property, honour and all other God-given rights of the countrymen.”

He urged Taliban officials of the military commission, governors, courts and commanders of the armed units to maintain security and justice, implementation of Sharia and efficient governance.

The Taliban chief talked about diplomatic efforts for a political process but at the same time pushed his fighters to continue what he called ‘Jihad’.



“The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has been continuing to make diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the issue of Afghanistan apart from its military approach; We have nominated the Political Office for this purpose as well as for maintenance of relations with the world and pertinent entities (for peaceful and diplomatic efforts),” he said.

Despite claims by the Taliban leaders’ to push for political process, the group has not yet shown willingness to join peace negotiations.

In February, the Taliban refused to take part in talks under the quadrilateral coordination group of Afghanistan, China, Pakistan and the US.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 12^th, 2016.