KABUL — Amid reports of widening disagreements within the Taliban, Zabiullah Mujahid, the Taliban’s spokesperson, acknowledged that while differences in viewpoints exist, they do not escalate into physical disputes or open conflict.
Speaking during a discussion on X Spaces, Mujahid emphasized that internal debates among Taliban members are normal and do not signify serious discord.
“Differences in viewpoints are normal,” he said. “Every member of the Islamic Emirate looks at an issue from a different perspective, and sometimes these matters even leak to the media. However, there are no disputes.”
He added, “We do not harm each other over disagreements.”
Mujahid’s comments come amid growing speculation about tensions within the Taliban’s leadership ranks.
A source recently told Amu TV that Sirajuddin Haqqani, the acting Minister of Interior, has been absent for 13 days following a trip to the United Arab Emirates. Another source suggested that Haqqani might have traveled to Saudi Arabia for an Umrah pilgrimage.
Recent weeks have seen disagreements within the Taliban become increasingly public, particularly after Abbas Stanikzai, the group’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, criticized Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada in a rare public rebuke.
The Taliban now face a delicate balancing act as they navigate internal divisions alongside mounting international pressures. Observers say these challenges could represent decisive moments for them as they attempt to consolidate power while dealing with growing scrutiny over governance, human rights, and factional disputes.
