Sources from the Shia Ulema Council told Afghanistan International that Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada has shown no interest in meeting with the council, despite their repeated efforts.
The council, representing the Shia community, has presented over 20 demands to the Taliban, including the official recognition of the Shia Jafari school and upholding the personal status law for Afghan Shias.
Despite several meetings with Taliban officials since the group's takeover in August 2021, there has been no clear response to these demands. The Taliban's latest stance, according to sources, suggests that the decision lies with Mullah Hibatullah. However, attempts to secure a meeting with him have been unsuccessful.
The council has been actively seeking to address issues facing Shias, particularly the reopening of girls' schools and political representation. However, their demands have largely been unmet, with the Taliban nullifying the personal status law and imposing restrictions on Shiite ceremonies.
Maulawi Abdul Kabir, the Taliban’s Deputy Prime Minister for Political Affairs, has met with the council members, promising to address their concerns. Yet, despite these assurances, tangible results have not materialized.
Furthermore, the current Taliban cabinet lacks representation from Shiite or Hazara communities. In 2021, the Taliban formed a commission for Shia members to address their demands, but the council criticized the move for not including Shia scholars.
Despite challenges, including a Taliban attack on a Shia Ulema Council gathering in Kabul in May 2022, the council has expressed support for the Taliban government, with deputy Mohammad Akbari pledging allegiance to the group.
