Multiple sources said the cuts appear to be selective and politically motivated.

The latest move follows earlier reports by Amu that a sweeping downsizing plan affecting government ministries is already underway.

KABUL, Afghanistan — In recently released photographs from a leadership meeting at the Taliban-run Ministry of Interior, chaired by Sirajuddin.

The ministry released photographs showing Haqqani alongside senior Taliban officials.

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan – Amid growing rifts within the Taliban leadership, Rahmatullah Najib, the Taliban’s deputy minister of interior, has briefed.

Nadim spoke in defense of a decree issued by Akhundzada banning what the Taliban consider "un-Islamic customs."

Akhundzada also emphasized the importance of adhering to the directives of Taliban leadership.

The meeting, sources said, was the culmination of months of simmering discontent among certain factions within the Taliban.

The lack of clarity surrounding Stanikzai’s whereabouts comes amid similar questions about Siraj Haqqani.