Taliban make new appointments on key govt posts

Group tasks advisers, commanders with crucial responsibilities in fresh setup

The Afghan Taliban on Tuesday appointed advisers and commanders on key positions and appointed Maulvi Abdul Kabir as deputy prime minister for political affairs of the new set-up in Kabul.

According to a statement released by the group, Mullah Abdul Majeed Akhunzada will be looking after matters related to those who were killed or disabled during the war while Mullah Abdul Razzaq Akhund will be his deputy.

The group also appointed Maulvi Saqawallah as special adviser on education and Maulvi Shamsuddin Pehlvan as the adviser for agriculture and livestock.

Similarly, Maulvi Muteeul Haq was made president of the red crescent organisation, while Mullah Nooruddin Turabi was appointed his deputy.

Maulvi Abdul Rasheed was appointed as the adviser of the municipality for Kabul district. The group, while forming two administrative divisions, appointed Sardar Muhammad and Sheikh Muhammad Hanif as directors of the south-west and south-east districts, respectively.

Mullah Muhammad Ali was given the portfolio of intelligence while Maulvi Nasrullah Muti was tasked with the education ministry responsibilities.

Read Taliban rally outside Kabul as they consolidate rule

According to the statement, Taimoor Shah was made logistics director of interior affairs. Mullah Mehrullah was made commander of forces in Kandhar, while Mullah Wali Jan Hamza was appointed his deputy.

Likewise, Maulvi Hamdullah was tasked to lead the forces in Kabul while Maulvi Nusrat will be his deputy. Maulvi Ataullah Umri will lead the forces in Mazar-e-Sharif while Maulvi Amanuddin will assist him in his duties.

Maulvi Muhammad Zarif Muzaffar will lead the forces in Herat and will be assisted by Mullah Abdul Shakoor and Maulvi Abdul Rehman Haqqani.

The communique added that Mullah Sharifuddin Taqi was appointed as the commander of the Afghan forces in Helmand, while Mullah Muhibullah and Muhammad Jan were made deputy commander and dawat director, respectively.

Mullah Rehmatullah will lead the forces in Kunduz, while Qari Ismail Turkman will be his deputy.

Abu Dujana will command the forces in Lughman province and will be assisted by Ibrahim. Qari Muhammad Ayub will command the forces in Paktia while Mullah Roohul Amin will be his deputy.