Kabul: The Taliban are in the final stages of forming the next government in Afghanistan with Mullah Mohammad Hasan Akhund as the head of the state, local media reported.
“Ameerul Momineen Sheikh Hibatullah Akhunzada had himself proposed Mullah Mohammad Hasan Akhund as Raees-e-Jamhoor, or the raees-ul-wazara or the new head state of Afghanistan. Mullah Baradar Akhund and Mullah Abdus Salam will work as his deputies,” a Taliban leader was quoted as saying by The News.
Akhund currently heads the all-powerful decision-making body of the Taliban, the Rehbari Shura.
“He worked for 20 years as head of Rehbari Shura and earned himself a very good reputation. He is a religious leader rather than a military background and is known for his character and devotion,” another leader said.
According to reports, the Kandahar-born Taliban leader has held key positions during the Taliban’s previous regime in Afghanistan. He was the deputy prime minister during Mullah Mohammad Rabbani Akhund-led government and also the foreign minister of the country during the regime.
Zabiullah Mujjahidin, who briefs the media on any development in the country since the takeover, will be the spokesperson for Mullah Mohammad Hasan Akhund.
According to news agencies, Sirajuddin Haqqani, head of the Haqqani Network is likely to be the interior minister, while Mullah Yaqoob, son of Taliban founder Mullah Mohammad Omar may take over as the country’s defense minister.
As per reports, Pakistan, Turkey, Qatar, Russia, China, and Iran have been invited to attend the formal ceremony of government formation.
