The Taliban movement announced on Tuesday the formation of a caretaker government that will manage the country following the group's complete takeover after the U.S. withdrawal. The newly announced government will be led by Mohammad Hassan Akhund, with Abdul Ghani Baradar as the deputy prime minister. It also includes Mohammad Yaqub Mujahid as acting Minister of Defense, Sirajuddin Haqqani as Minister of the Interior, Amir Khan Muttaqi as Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Abbas Stanekzai as acting Minister of Foreign Affairs. The Taliban added that several ministries remain vacant, noting that they are "consulting to find suitable individuals."
When asked whether this government includes various segments of Afghan society and different tribes, the Taliban spokesman emphasized that this government is a "caretaker government," stating: "The caretaker government deals with the current situation, and afterward, we will have discussions and talks with various segments and tribes." Zabihullah Mujahid said, "We will focus on ensuring this government eventually includes all segments, but for now, it is only for caretaking."
Commenting on reports that Taliban members suppressed peaceful demonstrations, the spokesman said, "The time is not appropriate for protests." Mujahid continued: "We ask those who want to organize demonstrations to contact us beforehand so we can ensure security, and they must inform us of their protest topics. Care must be taken to provide several necessities, such as the protest site, so they can be granted permission." He added, "Some individuals carried out provocative actions that incited unrest and chaos in some cities, which is troubling for the people and causes concern. We urge our people not to participate in protests and demonstrations before the formation of the government. We will enact a law regarding this matter." He also accused certain individuals "who came from outside the country" of "instigating chaos in Kabul."
Regarding the Panjshir Province, which witnessed armed resistance against the Taliban, Mujahid clarified that the province is "under full control of the Taliban, with some pockets of resistance remaining." He noted that the movement "will not discriminate against Afghan tribes." On the nature of the relationship that the Taliban seeks with the international community, specifically the United States, he affirmed that the movement "seeks good relations with the United States and neighboring countries."
