Taliban has convened a high-level cabinet meeting in Kandahar, discussing regulations for media operations and the activities of a number of foreign organizations in Afghanistan, according to sources familiar with the proceedings.
The meeting, which began Wednesday and continued into Thursday, Dec. 5, was held behind closed doors with strict confidentiality measures in place, sources said.
Attendees were reportedly barred from bringing smartphones or other recording devices into the room.
Key participants included Abdul Kabir, the Taliban’s acting deputy chief minister for political affairs, and several ministers.
Sayed Akbar Agha, head of the Afghanistan Salvation Council, described the meeting as routine.
“As far as I know, their agenda remains unchanged and revolves around typical matters,” he said. “I don’t believe there is anything new, such as decisions on education.”
However, critics argue that the Taliban’s cabinet meetings often prioritize consolidating power over addressing the country’s pressing issues.
Women’s rights advocates have expressed frustration over the Taliban’s continued disregard for the needs of the Afghan population, particularly women and girls.
“These cabinet meetings serve only to strengthen their grip on power,” said Taranum Saeedi, head of the Afghan Women’s Political Participation Network. “As women’s and girls’ rights are increasingly restricted, the Taliban’s focus remains on control rather than addressing the growing deprivation and injustices in the country.”
Since returning to power in 2021, the Taliban have imposed severe limitations on women’s rights, including barring girls from secondary education and women from most forms of employment.
Leadership from Kandahar
The Taliban’s supreme leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, has rarely left Kandahar, a city that has become the symbolic and operational center of Taliban governance.
Despite controlling the entire country, the leadership continues to issue directives from Kandahar, further isolating themselves from the capital, Kabul.
During the cabinet meeting, Kandahar reportedly took on a militarized appearance, with increased security measures reflecting the heightened sensitivity of the discussions.
Taliban have not publicly disclosed the outcomes of the meeting, but their continued focus on media restrictions and control over foreign entities suggests a further tightening of their policies, drawing criticism from human rights advocates and international observers alike.
