Taliban appoints teenager to Helmand martyrs and disabled affairs post

Sources say the Taliban administration has appointed a teenager as head of the martyrs and disabled affairs directorate in the police command in Helmand province, a move that has drawn criticism over handing administrative responsibilities to underage people and keeping them away from education.

According to the sources, Fazl-ul-Haq Abid, son of Mohammad Sadiq, was proposed for the post by the Taliban police chief in Helmand and was then appointed. The sources shared the matter with 8am newspaper on Tuesday.

The sources added that Abid is still a student at a religious seminary. According to the report, he has been given an administrative post in the martyrs and disabled affairs directorate despite continuing his studies at the seminary.

A number of social media users criticised the move, saying the Taliban administration should encourage children and teenagers to pursue education and school instead of appointing them to government posts.

The martyrs and disabled affairs directorate is one of the administrative departments responsible for handling the affairs of families of victims and people with disabilities, a section that is considered in the administrative structure to require responsibility and work experience.