The Taliban's supreme leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, has declared that Afghanistan has no need for Western laws, asserting that democracy is no longer relevant in the country as long as Islamic law is in effect.
His remarks were made during a sermon marking the Islamic festival of Eid al-Fitr in Kandahar, the group's stronghold, and were later shared in a 50-minute audio recording on social media by Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid.
Speaking in Pashto, Akhundzada stressed that the country would function solely under sharia, dismissing the necessity of any legal framework derived from Western ideals.
"There is no need for laws that originate from the West. We will create our own laws," he stated, reinforcing the Taliban’s commitment to their interpretation of Islamic governance.
Since seizing power in August 2021, the Taliban have systematically imposed strict laws based on their hardline interpretation of Islam. One of the most controversial aspects of their rule has been the severe restrictions placed on Afghan women and girls.
Education has been almost entirely banned for female students beyond primary school, women have been barred from most public spaces, and employment opportunities for them have been significantly reduced.
These policies have drawn widespread international condemnation and have further isolated the Taliban on the global stage.
Despite this, the Taliban have managed to establish diplomatic relationships with several countries, including China and the United Arab Emirates.
However, they remain unrecognised as the legitimate government of Afghanistan by the majority of the international community, largely due to their human rights record and lack of political inclusivity.
In his speech, Akhundzada criticised the West, alleging that non-Muslim countries were united in their opposition to Islam. He referenced the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza as evidence of what he described as global hostility towards Muslims.
He also accused democracy’s proponents of attempting to separate the Afghan people from the Taliban’s governance.
The Taliban face little organised opposition, either domestically or abroad, though internal divisions within the movement have surfaced in recent years.
Some senior Taliban officials have expressed concerns over the leadership’s increasingly reclusive nature, as well as the heavy concentration of power within Akhundzada’s inner circle.
Others within the administration have pushed for a more moderate approach, advocating for increased engagement with the international community and the reversal of some of the group’s most rigid policies in an effort to attract foreign support.
Despite its isolation, the Taliban regime has been involved in diplomatic talks with various countries, including the United States.
Under former US President Donald Trump, discussions were largely focused on prisoner exchanges and other negotiations. However, international engagement remains limited, with most nations hesitant to legitimise the Taliban’s rule without significant reforms.
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