Taliban Official Calls for Shift from Military Struggle to Governance
Mawlawi Abdul Salam Hanafi, the administrative deputy of the Taliban’s Prime Minister’s Office, has declared that the era of military struggle is over and it is now time for governance.
Speaking at a coordination meeting with a number of Kabul residents—organized by the Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice—Hanafi emphasized that enforcing religious values and preventing immoral acts are core goals of the Islamic system. He stated that the Taliban administration must take these matters seriously.
“Now is the time to strengthen and solidify the Islamic system,” Hanafi said, stressing the transition from warfare to governance. He urged Taliban-affiliated institutions to improve their implementation of religious rulings and the protection of citizens’ rights. He also called for respectful and courteous treatment of the public, reminding officials at the Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue of their significant responsibilities.
Addressing the long-term impacts of decades of war, Hanafi claimed that with the Taliban in power, nationwide security has been achieved and corruption has been eradicated. He also announced the launch of development projects across various regions of the country, although independent sources have challenged these assertions.
On the issue of migration, Hanafi alleged that many Afghans fled to neighboring countries to preserve their faith and dignity, but are now being forcibly deported despite holding legal documents. He said the Taliban has formed a commission to manage the reintegration of returnees in what he described as a “respectful manner.” However, numerous reports have highlighted the difficulties faced by returning migrants, casting doubt on the effectiveness of such commissions.
