Kabul — Taliban supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada has ordered a sweeping administrative overhaul across Afghanistan, introducing major changes to the country’s governance structure, including the replacement of governors, deputy governors, and police chiefs in 19 provinces.
Communications Minister Removed
Under the new order, Communications Minister Hamdullah Nomani has been removed from his position. Nomani, who hails from Ghazni, previously served in the same role during the Taliban’s earlier rule and was reappointed in 2024. He has now been replaced by Mawlawi Abdul Ahad Fazli, the former governor of Faryab.
Provincial Governors Reassigned
The reshuffle includes multiple changes among provincial governors. Mawlawi Mohammad Hanif Hamza has been transferred from Badghis to Faryab as governor. Mawlawi Abdul Rahman Haqqani has been moved from Baghlan to Khost, while Mawlawi Abdullah Mukhtar has been reassigned from Khost to Baghlan.
Economic adviser Mawlawi Mohammad Wali Jan has been appointed governor of Badghis. Paktika’s deputy governor, Makhdum Abdul Salam Saadat, has been transferred to the Ministry of Guidance, Hajj, and Endowments as a director.
Security and Police Leadership Changes
Significant changes have also been made in the security sector, with five police commanders reassigned as part of the restructuring.
Maidan Wardak police chief Mawlawi Abdul Qayyum Hilal has been posted to Baghlan, while Baghlan police chief Mawlawi Abdul Haq has been transferred to Maidan Wardak. Nimroz police chief Mawlawi Abdul Zahir Mudassir has been appointed deputy governor of Maidan Wardak.
The director of prisons, Mawlawi Mohammad Omar Mukhlis, has been named the new police chief of Nimroz, while Logar police chief Mawlawi Agha Wali Hanafi has been reassigned as director of prisons.
Deputy Governors and Military Appointments
Further changes include transfers of deputy governors in Paktia, Logar, Helmand, Farah, and Baghlan. Mawlawi Inamullah Salahuddin has been moved from Paktia to Logar, while Mawlawi Mohammad Anwar has been transferred from Logar to Paktia.
Helmand deputy governor Mawlawi Mohammad Nabi Hamas will now serve in Baghlan, while Mawlawi Rahimullah Mahmood has been transferred from Farah to Helmand.
At the military level, Mawlawi Mohammad Gul Khyber, chief of the Third Brigade of the 203 Mansoori Corps, has been appointed deputy governor of Farah. His previous position will be taken over by former Baghlan deputy governor Mawlawi Mohammad Humayoun Jehadiyar.
In Paktika, Shura member Qazi Noorullah has been appointed deputy governor.
Widespread Administrative Changes
The scale of these changes reflects a broad restructuring effort within the Taliban administration, affecting both civilian governance and security institutions across multiple provinces.
