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After three years of Taliban rule in Afghanistan, global legal experts, prominent religious scholars, and political analysts say the current system is not an Islamic state but a form of usurpative, personalized rule. When the Taliban seized Kabul on August 15, 2021, they had promised—based on Afghan tradition—to convene a Loya Jirga and form an inclusive government through public consent. However, three years on, no such assembly has taken place, and the public has not been included in governance. Instead, all authority has been centralized around Hibatullah Akhundzada in Kandahar, who has been declared “Amir al-Mu’minin” and placed beyond accountability.
Ethnic Imbalance in Government
According to available data, more than 85% of key positions in the 49-member cabinet are held by one ethnic group (Pashtuns), while other major communities such as Tajiks, Uzbeks, and Turkmens are given only symbolic or secondary roles. The Hazara community faces near-total exclusion from the political structure. Analysts say the absence of minorities in Kandahar’s powerful 25-member council shows that the system is not nationally representative, but dominated by a single regional and ethnic group. Similar disparities are visible within the security forces, which include over 200,000 personnel.
Religious Pressure on Minorities
Recent reports by the United Nations and local sources have raised concerns about religious coercion in Badakhshan and other provinces. According to these reports, Ismaili Muslims are allegedly being pressured to adopt Sunni (Hanafi) practices in exchange for jobs, financial benefits, and security guarantees. In universities and schools, Shia students reportedly face threats of expulsion if they do not follow Hanafi jurisprudence. Experts argue that such interference in personal beliefs contradicts Islamic teachings and the Quranic principle of “no compulsion in religion.”
Internal Divisions and Exile
Internal divisions within the Taliban are becoming more visible. Senior figure Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, who supported girls’ education, a modern constitution, and consultative governance, reportedly faced pressure from the leadership. Diplomatic sources say he was removed from his position and forced into exile, and is currently living in the United Arab Emirates, effectively excluded from decision-making. This suggests that moderate voices and reform efforts have little room within the current system.
Legal View and Ground Reality
Islamic scholars, citing figures such as Ibn Taymiyyah, Imam Nawawi, and Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani, argue that a government established by force without public consultation cannot be considered legitimate Islamic leadership, but rather usurpation. Observers note that the apparent “silence” in Afghanistan reflects fear and repression, not public approval. Human rights groups warn that a system excluding women from education and work, while marginalizing minorities, cannot achieve long-term stability.
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