According to the news of Al Jazeera, slogans like ‘Afghanistan Islamic Emirate Zindabad’ were heard in the procession. In his speech, Akhundzada congratulated Taliban leaders for the occupation of Afghanistan, saying, “The victory of Afghan jihad is not only a matter of pride for Afghans but for Muslims around the world,” state news agency Bakhtar reported. If reports are to be believed, Akhundzada said that the world should not tell the Taliban how to run the country.
‘Why is the world interfering in our affairs’
The Taliban Supreme Leader said, ‘Why is the world interfering in our affairs? They say – why didn’t you do it? Why didn’t you do that? – Why does the world interfere so much in our work?’ During this, Akhundzada also offered prayers for the victims of the terrible earthquake that hit the country last month, in which more than 1000 people died. Rumors of Akhundzada’s presence had been doing the rounds for the past several days. The media has been barred from covering the event.
‘Won’t compromise with Sharia’
In this procession, Akhundzada made it clear that the Taliban regime would not compromise on Sharia law. In his speech, the Taliban leader said, “No compromise will be made with the rules laid down in the Sharia.” Taliban will not accept anyone’s orders. Akhundzada lives in Kandahar, the birthplace of the Taliban, and rarely comes out of the city. Apart from a few audio recordings and a couple of photographs, very limited information is available about Akhundzada in public forums and he is known to lead a mysterious life.