In August 2021, the Taliban came into power after the withdrawal of the US. They claimed to restore Islamic Laws (Sharia) and to create an Islamic Emirate. Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada, in May 2021, on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, gave a message, in which he stated that, “The Islamic Emirate assures all that none shall be harmed from the soil of Afghanistan, and likewise asks others not to interfere in the internal affairs of Afghanistan”. This statement caused anxiety in public, as in their first era, they imposed many restrictions, leading to humanitarian concerns. 

Recently, on 4th January 2026, the Taliban announced a new penal code under their supreme leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada. Penal Code, named as Criminal Procedural Code for Courts (De Mahakumu Jazaai Osulnama), has 3 sections, 10 chapters, and 119 articles. This penal code has several laws that do not align with Islamic Sharia laws. For example, declaring the Hanafi School of thought as the original form of Islam, neglecting other schools such as the Shiites, dividing society into four sections, and implementing laws as per their hierarchy, etc.

Those who call themselves the protectors of Islam are implementing un-Islamic laws in their state. They are not the protector of Islam; rather, they are the enemies of Islam. They are the ones who have led Pakistan to be labelled as a terrorist state because these Taliban spread Islam through strict laws, which they call sharia, and through violence. But Islam is a religion of peace; in fact, Islam says to be at peace with infidels who are not in a fight with you. Islam gives the best framework for war and peace based on humanity.

The Taliban government claims that it rules in accordance with Islamic jurisprudence. Let’s see what the Islamic framework of justice is.

In the Holy Quran 4:135, it is written that, “O believers! Stand firm for justice as witnesses for Allah even if it is against yourselves, your parents, or close relatives. Be they rich or poor, Allah is best to ensure their interests. So do not let your desires cause you to deviate ˹from justice˺. If you distort the testimony or refuse to give it, then ˹know that˺ Allah is certainly All-Aware of what you do”.

In another verse, 49:13, Allah Almighty says, “O humanity! Indeed, we created you from a male and a female, and made you into peoples and tribes so that you may ˹get to˺ know one another. Surely the most noble of you in the sight of Allah........

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