The Taliban has announced that its leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, recently visited the provinces of Sar-e-Pul, Baghlan, and Samangan.

During his visit to Sar-e-Pul, Akhundzada stated that there would be "no leniency" in fully enforcing the group’s interpretation of Sharia law.

He emphasised that any law that contradicts "Islamic beliefs" would not be accepted. While the exact date of his visit is unclear, the Taliban reported on Tuesday that their reclusive leader had travelled to several northern provinces of Afghanistan.

According to Taliban-controlled Bakhtar News Agency, Salam Hanafi, the Uzbek deputy prime minister, accompanied Akhundzada on the visit to Sar-e-Pul. In remarks attributed to Hibatullah, he reiterated that the Taliban's war was aimed at enforcing their interpretation of Sharia, establishing justice, and eradicating corruption.

"In implementing Sharia and ensuring justice, I will not show tolerance or compromise with anyone, so that the divine law is implemented one hundred percent in this land," Hibatullah reportedly said.

During a previous visit to Faryab, the Taliban leader also stressed on the importance of enforcing Sharia punishments. Over the past three years, the group has implemented strict laws, including public floggings, and justified the ban on women’s education and work on religious grounds.

Western countries, as well as some Islamic and regional nations, have urged the Taliban to revise their policies, particularly those related to women's rights. Hibatullah's latest comments appear to be a response to these requests.
Previously, other senior Taliban officials, particularly the Minister for the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, stated that adhering to their version of Sharia law was a red line for the Taliban government.

Western governments, human rights organisations, and international bodies have called for an end to the Taliban's harsh Islamic punishments, such as stoning, amputation, and flogging, stating that these practices violate international human rights standards and Afghanistan's global commitments.

These organisations argue that such severe punishments not only contradict human principles but also have the potential to negatively impact Afghan society.