Non-Pashtun members of the Taliban in Afghanistan have announced a rebellion against discriminatory practices within the group. According to Afghan news agency “Aamaj News,” members of the non-Pashtun Taliban from Balkh, Panjshir, Kapisa, and Parwan provinces have sent messages to a local Afghan media outlet.
These messages highlight the return of Abdul Hamid Khorasani’s stance against racial bias within the ranks of the Taliban. The dissident members have warned of immediate action if the issue persists, marking a significant shift since the Taliban’s rise to power in Afghanistan three years ago.
This public declaration of opposition to ethnic discrimination by non-Pashtun Taliban members represents the first public rift within the Taliban government. Abdul Hamid Khorasani, a Tajik Taliban commander, faced ridicule and backlash from Pashtun Taliban members for supporting protests, leading to growing discontent among the ranks.
The non-Pashtun Taliban members have expressed their intent to separate from the group if Abdul Hamid Khorasani’s humiliation continues, signaling a potential fracture within the Taliban’s unity.
