Taliban Leader Ends “Caretaker” Status of Cabinet After Four Years

Kokcha News Agency – Hibatullah Akhundzada, the leader of the Taliban, has issued an order ending the “caretaker” status of the Taliban cabinet, marking the fourth anniversary of the fall of the Afghan republic and the Taliban’s takeover. This comes despite the group’s initial promise to form a temporary government and later transition to a permanent one—a transition that never materialized.

In a statement, Akhundzada declared that from now on, no one should refer to the Taliban ministers or cabinet as “caretakers.” He claimed that Afghanistan is now governed by a “sacred Sharia system” and that the people, after decades of struggle, are now “free from corruption, oppression, drugs, and theft.”

The Taliban leader emphasized that the country now has the foundation for reconstruction and development, and that the people have been freed from linguistic, ethnic, and political divisions. He described these achievements as “great blessings” and warned that failing to be grateful could lead to divine punishment.

Akhundzada has consistently portrayed the Taliban regime as “sacred” and has cautioned the people against criticizing or opposing it, believing that such actions could bring “divine wrath.” He also called for the stability of the Taliban regime, asking for divine protection from any enemies.

The Taliban leader’s statements come as the group’s regime continues to face challenges and isolation due to its lack of domestic and international legitimacy. The move to remove the “caretaker” label and solidify the Taliban’s rule indicates that, despite initial promises, the group has no intention of forming an inclusive government and sees itself as permanently in control of Afghanistan’s future.