Taliban Army Chief Urges Fighters to Identify as ‘Muslim and Afghan’ Instead of Ethnic Groups
Qari Fasih Fatrat, chief of the Taliban army staff, has urged fighters of the group to identify themselves as “Muslim and Afghan” rather than referring to ethnic identities such as Tajik, Pashtun, or Uzbek. He made these remarks during an event unveiling the new uniforms for the group’s military personnel.
According to him, Taliban forces should avoid emphasizing ethnic affiliations and instead focus on their shared identity. These statements come amid ongoing discussions among the country’s residents regarding the ethnic composition within the military and civil structures of the Taliban administration.
Since the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan, various reports and opinions have emerged concerning the participation of different ethnic groups in decision-making and leadership roles within the administration. Critics have repeatedly pointed to the lack of ethnic balance in the power structure and have called for an inclusive military representing all ethnic groups in Afghanistan.
Afghanistan is a multiethnic country where Tajiks, Pashtuns, Hazaras, Uzbeks, and other groups live side by side. The previous constitution emphasized the legal equality of all citizens. However, the Taliban administration has yet to present a clear mechanism to ensure equal participation of all ethnic groups in governing structures—a matter that remains a key demand among citizens and civil society organizations.
