Amid escalating tensions and unrest in Badakhshan Province, a number of Taliban members from Badakhshan have launched a campaign calling for the removal of Ismail Ghaznawi from his position as the province’s governor. Participants in the campaign argue that Amanuddin Mansoor would be better suited to manage the current situation, citing his influence among local residents and his familiarity with the province’s conditions.
Farooq Badakhshani, a Taliban member, wrote on his Facebook page on Saturday that, to prevent what he described as the “schemes of opportunistic individuals” against Badakhshan, changes should be made to the province’s local leadership. He said such changes would help improve the management of the current situation.
He also proposed appointing Amanuddin Mansoor as governor of Badakhshan, Abdul Rahman Khadem as provincial police chief, and Juma Khan Fateh as head of the provincial intelligence department. According to him, these individuals are better equipped to administer the province because of their knowledge of its geography, social conditions, and local culture.
Farooq Badakhshani further urged the Taliban leadership to exercise greater oversight in the management of Badakhshan’s mining sector while prioritizing the implementation of infrastructure projects. He argued that these measures would help prevent opponents from exploiting existing problems for propaganda purposes.
Meanwhile, Khabib Khalid, another Taliban member, also described Amanuddin Mansoor as the most suitable candidate for the governorship of Badakhshan. He endorsed the proposal without providing further details.
Several participants in the campaign claim that Ismail Ghaznawi does not enjoy significant support among Taliban forces in Badakhshan. One participant, who spoke to Afghanistan International on condition of anonymity, said the Taliban would face greater challenges in administering and maintaining control over the province without the involvement of Badakhshani commanders.
Some campaign supporters have also accused Ismail Ghaznawi of exacerbating sensitive local issues and treating the people of Badakhshan inappropriately. These allegations have not been independently verified, and the Taliban governor of Badakhshan has not yet responded to them.
As the campaign has continued, a social media user identified as Farooqi Badakhshani wrote that Badakhshan, under the current circumstances, needs a leader such as Amanuddin Mansoor and called for his return to a leadership position in the province.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
