Taliban Leader Delivers Speech at Educational Seminar in Kandahar

The Taliban’s supreme leader, Sheikh Hibatullah Akhundzada, has addressed a three-day reform and training seminar in Kandahar province, attended by officials from several ministries and government institutions, according to the group’s deputy spokesperson.

Hamidullah Fitrat, the deputy spokesperson, said that in his speech, Sheikh Hibatullah stressed that the laws implemented by the Taliban administration are “God’s religion” and should not be viewed merely as personal interpretations, a point that has been consistently challenged by critics who cite a lack of transparency and public participation in the legislative process.

According to the statement, the Taliban leader also emphasized the importance of rights, social services, and education for orphans, widows, people with disabilities, those in need, migrants, and prisoners—describing these groups as deserving of special attention.

Sheikh Hibatullah called on officials to serve the people with “sincerity and compassion,” in accordance with what he described as Islamic Sharia law. Human rights organizations, however, have repeatedly called for measurable action on these commitments, particularly concerning the fundamental rights of Afghan citizens.