KABUL, AFGHANISTAN — In a rare public appearance, Taliban supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada visited the northern Faryab province on Friday, where he declared August 15—the day Kabul fell to the Taliban—as “Yawm al-Fath,” or “Day of Victory.”
The Taliban’s Directorate of Information and Culture in Faryab confirmed the visit in a statement, stating that Akhundzada met with local officials and emphasized that their victory was not achieved through military tools but through “the shedding of blood” and “divine support.”
Akhundzada, a hardline conservative cleric from the Pashtun’s Noorzai tribe, has been consolidating his grip on power since the Taliban’s takeover in August 2021. He remains the group’s undisputed authority, controlling its political, military, judicial, and religious affairs from the group’s spiritual stronghold in Kandahar.
During his visit, Taliban authorities reported that Akhundzada reiterated his commitment to enforcing “hudud,” or Islamic legal punishments, across Afghanistan. His focus was on the strict adherence to these laws, which have been a cornerstone of the Taliban’s governance since they seized power.
Akhundzada’s interactions in Faryab were limited to meetings with Taliban officials and religious leaders. He emphasized the enforcement of the newly ratified morality law, which has imposed further restrictions, particularly on women.
His emphasis on Islamic law highlights the Taliban’s unwavering commitment to their ideological vision for Afghanistan, a stance that the United Nations has described as “distressing.”
No photos or videos of Akhundzada’s trip have been released, underscoring his secretive nature. He continues to avoid public appearances and interactions with foreign entities, maintaining a low profile.
Akhundzada’s visit to Faryab appears to be part of a broader regional tour of northern and northwestern Afghanistan. Just days earlier, he reportedly visited Badghis province, where he similarly stressed the importance of obedience to his rule. This marks the first series of regional tours three years into the regime’s rule.
Since the Taliban’s takeover, Afghanistan’s aid-dependent economy has plunged into turmoil, exacerbating a worsening humanitarian and human rights crisis.
The Taliban leader has issued over 100 edicts and orders restricting the rights of women and girls. These include prohibiting girls’ education beyond the sixth grade, barring women from higher education and employment, including positions within UN agencies, and banning their presence in public spaces like restaurants, gyms, beauty salons, and parks.
These actions, along with other severe restrictions on women’s public lives and freedoms, have been described by the UN as “gender apartheid.”
No government has recognized the Taliban as the legitimate ruler of Afghanistan.
