Former Taliban finance minister Agha Jan Mutasim has been detained in Kandahar after backing a call to extend the Eid ceasefire, raising concerns about dissent within Taliban ranks.
Former Taliban finance minister Agha Jan Mutasim has reportedly been detained in Kandahar after he supported a call to extend the Eid ceasefire between Afghanistan and Pakistan, according to informed sources.
Mutasim was part of a joint online appeal by Afghan and Pakistani religious scholars urging both sides to prolong the ceasefire beyond Eid in an effort to reduce tensions and promote regional stability. The initiative was seen as a rare cross-border religious consensus advocating peace.
However, his detention is being viewed by observers as a sign of growing intolerance toward dissenting or reform-oriented voices under the current Taliban leadership.
Mutasim holds historical significance within the Taliban’s political structure. Following the events of 9/11, he is reported to have taken care of the family of Mullah Muhammad Omar while they were in Karachi. He later returned to Afghanistan after assurances from Mullah Yaqoob, the son of Mullah Omar.
Analysts believe his arrest could deepen public distrust and highlight internal divisions within the Taliban, particularly regarding approaches to peace, governance, and engagement with regional actors.
“This is not just about one individual,” a regional analyst said. “It raises serious concerns about intellectual and religious freedom. If voices advocating peace and reform are silenced, it could have long-term implications for Afghanistan’s future.”
So far, Taliban authorities have not issued any official statement regarding the detention.
