Religion

This latest edict from Akhundzada, who rarely appears in public and rules from Kandahar, reinforces his absolute authority.

These developments occur against a backdrop of worsening human rights under Taliban rule, including severe restrictions on women and girls, arbitrary detentions, and impunity for abuses.

This tradition spans generations: families arrive annually, relying on the Magh Mela as a vital source of income through boat services for pilgrims. Many carry licenses from previous years as proof of their long-standing participation. Yet this year, a bureaucratic hurdle has left them stranded.

According to the Secretary-General’s report submitted on 3 December 2025, the Taliban leadership – including the supreme leader’s inner circle – has intensified efforts to consolidate control through religious-guided governance, increased oversight, and sweeping policy changes.

The absence of female panel members in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s ADR committees and the exclusion of non-Muslim members make clear that what may appear as decentralised and accessible justice may in practice perpetuate discrimination.

Although Pakistan’s blasphemy laws are officially intended to protect religious sentiments, the report highlights a deeply troubling pattern: false or manipulated accusations are being lodged with the purpose of evicting vulnerable owners or extracting money.

The monks contend that Sri Lanka’s existing penal code already contains sufficient safeguards to deal with abuse, and that new legislation is unnecessary and overly idealistic.

Muttaqi, a key architect of the Taliban's post-2021 takeover diplomacy, travelled to the southern province of Kandahar on Friday for the audience with Akhundzada.