The Taliban have appointed Mullah Mohammad Hasan Akhund as prime minister in a new government, whose composition reveals Pakistani ISI’s hand in the appointments.
Akhund served as deputy prime minister in the Taliban’s government in Afghanistan prior to the US invasion of 2001, following the 9/11 terror attacks. During its previous incarnation, Pakistan was among three countries that had recognised the Taliban government that emerged in 1996 following the takeover of the government, which was unable to extend its jurisdiction over the entire country.
It is unlikely that the new government will get wide international recognition. Key neighbouring countries, including Russia and Iran are calling for the formation of an inclusive government that represents all Afghans as the precondition for recognition.
Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, who was widely tipped to emerge as the head of the executive, has become acting deputy prime minister. Deputy Taliban leader Mohammad Yaqub, son of Taliban founder Mullah Omar has been appointed as acting defence minister.
India Narrative had reported earlier that a new power sharing deal was apparently brokered by the ISI chief Faiz Hameed following the internal differences among the various factions in the group.
According to Pakistani analysts, in an ISI brokered deal, Akhund was the “right” choice as he has no power base of his own, so he is no threat to the leaders of the two major factions.
Besides, as the head of the Quetta Shura or Rahbari Shura, where the ISI’s influence is predominant, his presence as the head of government in Afghanistan, eminently suits Pakistan.
Akhund belongs to Kandahar, the birthplace of the Taliban, and was among the many founders of the group. Studied in various madrasas in Pakistan, he was never considered as a leader in the group. In fact, Hasan Akhund is considered one of the most ineffective and unreasonable Taliban leaders. He was never given any important posts in the last regime of Taliban other than stop gap arrangements for a brief period. He was the one who supervised the destruction of the Bamiyan Buddhas in March 2001, and is still listed as a terrorist by the United Nations.
Also Read: With Baradar out and unknown Mullah Hasan Akhund in, has Pakistan mounted a coup in Afghanistan?
Mullah Yakub ‘s appointment though curiously as “acting” defence minister is likely to further tighten the ISI’s hold on Afghanistan's security apparatus.
The pro-ISI Haqqani network , a US designated terror group, is also a big gainer. Sirajuddin Haqqani, the face of the Haqqani network has become the new federal interior minister.
Earlier reports said that he has also been authorised to nominate governors for the eastern provinces, from where the Haqqani Network used to draw its force. They are Paktia, Khost, Gardez, Nangarhar and Kunar. Mullah Ameer Khan Muttaqi has been nominated as the new foreign minister, the Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid who was earlier reported to be the new information minister, will be the spokesman for the head of government, Mullah Hasan Akhund.
