Afghanistan Times
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KABUL — Amid increasing humanitarian pressure and growing complexity within the leadership structure, Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada has reassigned nine senior officials across various ministries and provincial administrations. The move comes during a period of shifting internal dynamics and as the country grapples with the return of hundreds of thousands of Afghan nationals from abroad.
Among the new appointments: former Logar governor Zia-ur-Rahman Madani has been named deputy minister for Professional Affairs at the Ministry of Guidance and Religious Affairs, while Salahuddin Ayoubi, formerly police chief in Zabul, replaces him in Logar. Sayed Hassan Shah Agha, previously deputy governor of Kandahar, has taken over financial duties at the Administrative Affairs Office. In Kabul, Qudratullah Amini was appointed deputy governor, replacing Mohammad Younis Mokhles, who now serves as an advisor at the Ministry of Interior.
These changes follow earlier administrative adjustments in April and May, which included a reduction in government positions and realignment of responsibilities. While no official explanation has been provided, analysts suggest the reshuffles may be part of efforts to consolidate leadership authority and enhance coordination within government institutions.
Internal differences remain a feature of the current leadership landscape. While Akhundzada is seen as favoring a more traditional and centralized model of governance, other senior figures — including those linked to the Haqqani group and other well-known personalities — are viewed as advocating more engagement with international actors and a focus on administrative pragmatism. These different views reflect the broader shift from an armed movement to a governing authority, with decisions increasingly shaped by regional, ideological, and strategic factors.
Ethnic and regional dynamics have also come under focus in recent months. The dismissal of thousands of personnel from the Ministry of Defense — many of them reportedly from non-Pashtun backgrounds — has raised concerns among observers about ethnic representation and inclusion. In provinces such as Badakhshan, local unease has been reported amid leadership changes and enforcement measures related to local economies, including narcotics eradication.
At the same time, Afghanistan is managing a large wave of returning citizens. Since January, more than 1.4 million Afghans have returned from Iran and Pakistan, many of them involuntarily. In June alone, over 500,000 people were repatriated from Iran, including an estimated 80,000 children, according to humanitarian organizations.
The returns have placed significant strain on border facilities and aid networks, especially in high-traffic crossings like Islam Qala. Aid agencies report growing needs for shelter, documentation, medical support, and child protection, as many returnees arrive with limited resources. Humanitarian partners are working to scale up their response, but funding constraints and limited access remain major challenges.
Iranian authorities have stated that they are facing difficulties accommodating large numbers of foreign nationals due to economic and security concerns. In the aftermath of recent regional tensions, Afghan nationals have reportedly faced increased scrutiny in parts of Iran, with reports of deportations accelerating since early June.
While Afghan authorities have urged neighboring countries to ensure the dignified treatment of returnees, they are also calling on international organizations to provide sustained support in managing the situation. With more than 23 million people in need of humanitarian assistance nationwide, the current return crisis adds another layer of urgency to an already fragile environment.
As the leadership continues to adjust its internal structure and address evolving social and economic challenges, many Afghans — both inside the country and returning from abroad — are navigating a period of deep uncertainty.
