New Decree by Taliban Leader: Power Centralization and Transfer of Seized Assets to Kandahar

Sheikh Hibatullah Akhundzada, the leader of the Taliban, has issued a new decree ordering that all confiscated goods and assets seized by local forces be transferred directly to Kandahar. No local commander or official is allowed to keep them.

According to local sources, the leadership of the Islamic Emirate aims to have greater control over the structure of power and decision-making. This new decree is part of a process that began when the Taliban took power, with the goal of centralizing authority in the hands of Sheikh Hibatullah and the central office in Kandahar.

This order not only includes confiscated items from residents during daily searches but also transfers more authority from local commanders and urban district officials to the Kandahar office.

Two Main Focuses of the Taliban Leader’s Policies

According to internal sources, the Taliban leadership has so far focused on two main areas:

1. Imposing severe restrictions on women and reducing their presence in society.

2. Concentrating authority and power under the central leadership of the Taliban in Kandahar.

Most individuals working in the Kandahar office are Taliban members from Quetta, Balochistan, many of whom lack formal education. This has raised concerns among local officials and even some Taliban members.

Consequences of This Decision: Internal Conflicts or Power Consolidation?

Reducing the autonomy of local Taliban officials may lead to dissatisfaction among commanders in different provinces.

While centralizing power in Kandahar strengthens the control of the Taliban leader, it could also create divisions within different factions of the Taliban.