Taliban Interior Minister Critiques Governance by Fear in Unprecedented Remarks

In a rare admission, Sirajuddin Haqqani, the Taliban’s Minister of Interior, acknowledged in Khost Province that the rulers in Kabul have resorted to violence, humiliation, and instilling fear to maintain their governance. He emphasized that a government which rules solely through fear and force is not a true government. Haqqani called for an end to this approach, advocating for a relationship built on love and trust between the authorities and the people…

Sirajuddin Haqqani: A Government That Rules Through Fear is No Government

Sirajuddin Haqqani, the Minister of Interior for the Taliban, made controversial and unprecedented statements about governance in Kabul during a recent appearance in Khost Province, revealing stark truths about the current rulers’ approach.

Candid Critique of Governance

Haqqani emphasized that the essential principles of good governance must be based on an appropriate relationship with the public:
“A government that rules only through fear is not a government. A strong bond of love and trust exists between good governance and its citizens.”

In an implicit acknowledgment of the violence prevalent in the Taliban’s governance style, he stated that the rulers in Kabul have turned to violence, humiliation, and terror to sustain their rule.

Call to End Violence and Humiliation

The Taliban’s Interior Minister urged for an immediate cessation of current practices, drawing a comparison between the present situation and the past:
“We have once suffered at the hands of the world’s emperors, yet now we show so little tolerance ourselves, condemning and humiliating our own people. This must stop.”

He also identified the path to stability and legitimacy as changing the manner in which the authorities engage with the public:
“We must treat our people in a way that eliminates animosity and enmity.”

Haqqani’s repeated assertions that a government commanding through fear and force is not legitimate may reflect internal pressures or a potential desire to shift the power dynamics and governance style within the Taliban.