The Afghan Taliban’s internal fractures are becoming increasingly visible. Taliban Justice Minister Abdul Hakim Sharia recently confirmed his resignation—though it remains unaccepted—accusing senior officials of corruption and labeling them “thieves, traitors, and corrupt.” His departure, coupled with recent findings from the UN Monitoring and Assessment Report (February 12, 2025) and the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) report, exposes deeper structural issues within the Taliban’s governance. The reports highlight not only systemic corruption but also financial transactions that allegedly sustain terror networks, including revelations that Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) leader Noor Wali Mehsud receives monthly financial support from the Afghan Taliban.
Sharia’s allegations reflect a broader disillusionment within the Taliban’s ranks. While the group once positioned itself as a force that would eradicate the corruption of previous regimes, its officials now stand accused of embezzling funds, mismanaging resources, and engaging in illicit trade. The Taliban’s governance model—rooted in ideological rigidity rather than administrative capability—has struggled to establish credibility, resulting in economic stagnation, dwindling foreign engagement, and growing domestic frustration.
Afghanistan’s economy remains on life support, with UNDP estimates indicating that 85% of the population lives below the poverty line. International donors, once the backbone of Afghanistan’s economic stability, have largely withdrawn or redirected aid due to concerns over governance failures and human rights violations. Meanwhile, reports from Transparency International indicate that corruption under the Taliban mirrors—if not surpasses—the levels seen in previous administrations. The Taliban’s reliance on an opaque financial system, including revenues from narcotics, illicit mining, and informal taxation, raises questions about its long-term viability as a governing entity.
Beyond financial mismanagement, Afghanistan’s role as a sanctuary for militant groups remains a pressing concern. The UN Sanctions Monitoring Team has repeatedly warned of growing ties between the Taliban and transnational terrorist organizations. While the Taliban has claimed it will not allow Afghan soil to be used for terrorism, the SIGAR report explicitly highlights financial links between the Taliban and the TTP, contradicting these assurances. The implications are significant: Pakistan, which initially pursued engagement with the Taliban in hopes of curbing cross-border militancy, is now grappling with an emboldened TTP that has intensified attacks within its territory. The Taliban’s inability—or unwillingness—to address this issue risks further straining ties with Islamabad, a country that has long advocated for regional stability.
For the Taliban, the current trajectory is unsustainable. If it seeks legitimacy—both domestically and internationally—it must undertake urgent reforms. First, addressing corruption is paramount. The establishment of independent oversight mechanisms, greater financial transparency, and accountability for officials implicated in mismanagement would serve as initial steps toward restoring trust. While such reforms may face internal resistance, the alternative is continued economic decline and further alienation from the international community.
Second, severing ties with extremist groups is no longer optional. The Taliban’s continued association with the TTP and other factions will only deepen Afghanistan’s isolation. Engaging in constructive dialogue with Pakistan and other regional actors on security concerns would signal a genuine commitment to regional stability. China and Russia, both of whom have engaged with the Taliban, have also expressed concerns over militancy spilling beyond Afghanistan’s borders. A shift in policy—demonstrated through concrete actions rather than rhetoric—would be crucial in securing diplomatic goodwill.
Third, governance must extend beyond ideology. While the Taliban insists on ruling through its interpretation of Islamic law, sustainable governance requires technical expertise, economic planning, and service delivery. The current humanitarian crisis—marked by severe food insecurity affecting over 23 million Afghans, according to the World Food Programme (WFP)—demands a more pragmatic approach. Strengthening administrative institutions, investing in infrastructure, and reopening pathways for skilled professionals to contribute to governance could provide much-needed stability.
Sharia’s resignation is not merely an internal matter—it is indicative of a larger crisis within the Taliban’s ranks. With economic pressures mounting, regional tensions escalating, and international patience wearing thin, the Taliban faces a stark choice: reform and engage with the world or risk further fragmentation and internal dissent. Afghanistan’s future hinges on whether its rulers recognize the urgency of these challenges and pivot toward responsible governance, or whether they allow entrenched corruption and extremist ties to dictate the country’s fate.
