Kabul — The Taliban’s supreme leader has ordered the removal of the word “interim” from the titles of Afghanistan’s ministers and ministries, in a move that marks a symbolic shift in the group’s governance structure as it enters its fourth year in power.
According to an official directive issued on the anniversary of the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021, Hibatullah Akhundzada instructed all government departments under the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan to stop using the term when referring to cabinet members. The decision effectively ends the “interim” designation that had been in place since the Taliban formed their administration after the withdrawal of U.S. and NATO forces.
The announcement reflects the Taliban leadership’s effort to consolidate authority and present their government as a permanent and stable political entity, rather than a temporary arrangement. Analysts view the change as part of a broader strategy to reinforce the legitimacy of the current system both domestically and internationally.
The directive also reiterated the Taliban leadership’s focus on ensuring public welfare, maintaining nationwide security, and upholding what they describe as a “sacred Islamic system” across the country. The leadership emphasised that Afghanistan, after decades of conflict and foreign intervention, now enjoys nationwide security and an environment conducive to reconstruction and development.
The statement highlighted improvements in security, governance, and law enforcement since the end of foreign military presence, claiming the elimination of corruption, theft, and narcotics trafficking. It further noted that the Afghan population has been freed from internal divisions based on ethnicity, language, region, or political affiliation, and that the conditions for rebuilding the country have been secured.
The order to remove “interim” from all cabinet references comes amid continued non-recognition of the Taliban government by any foreign state. While the move signals the leadership’s confidence in its permanence, it also underscores the ongoing political and diplomatic isolation the administration faces on the global stage.
