RASC News Agency: Pakistan’s Dawn newspaper reports that Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada’s rigid governance and authoritarian control have exacerbated internal fractures within the Taliban, threatening the regime’s stability. The newspaper asserts that Hibatullah must acknowledge dissenting voices within his ranks and demonstrate greater flexibility, particularly regarding women’s rights and fundamental freedoms. In a comprehensive analysis published on Monday, Dawn highlighted the strategic implications of the Taliban’s internal power struggles for Pakistan and Afghanistan’s neighboring countries. It warns that deepening divisions within the group could trigger a fresh wave of mass displacement while emboldening terrorist factions entrenched in Afghanistan.
While acknowledging the presence of extremist groups in the country, the report stresses: “Expecting the Taliban to embrace democratic principles is unrealistic. However, they must at least engage with dissenting voices, particularly on matters of fundamental rights and civil liberties.” The newspaper further cautions that if Hibatullah continues to suppress internal opposition, the Taliban’s downfall could come from within. The recent defection of Abbas Stanikzai is cited as a clear indicator of escalating tensions among the Taliban leadership. Dawn warns:
“Should sectarian, tribal, and ideological schisms widen, Afghanistan risks reliving the Taliban’s violent history of the 1990s.” The report also underscores the fragile nature of the Taliban’s rule, emphasizing: “The Taliban regime is far from ideal. However, if it collapses without a viable alternative in place, Afghanistan will descend into chaos, plunging millions into even greater suffering.” Over recent months, rising factionalism within the Taliban has fueled discontent among its senior ranks, signaling an increasingly precarious future for the regime.
