The Taliban leadership in Kandahar has warned its members who live in Pakistan to relocate their families and residences back to Afghanistan or face dismissal, according to internal documents and sources familiar with the directive.
A letter, a copy of which was obtained by Amu, issued by the Taliban’s Commission for the Purification of Ranks in Kandahar and co-signed by the Taliban deputy governor, gives Taliban officials a two-month deadline to transfer their families and homes from abroad, particularly from Pakistan, into Afghanistan’s territory.
Failure to comply, the letter states, will result in the removal of Taliban officials from their posts. The order further instructs Taliban intelligence services, the provincial police command, and the Al-Badr military corps to strictly enforce the directive.
The move comes amid growing concerns within Taliban ranks about lingering ties to Pakistan, where many senior Taliban figures have historically maintained residences — notably in Quetta, Chaman and Karachi — and continue to travel monthly to visit their families.
Analysts believe the order is part of an internal effort to consolidate control and prevent the leaking of sensitive information across borders.
“This appears to be a security measure designed to reduce vulnerabilities within the Taliban’s leadership circle,” said one political analyst who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue. “Relocating families from Pakistan is likely aimed at limiting outside influence and safeguarding against intelligence breaches.”
While the Taliban and Pakistan have shared longstanding ties — particularly during the insurgency years — tensions have recently surfaced over cross-border attacks and concerns about harboring militant factions.
