Poll: Taliban Drops “Caretaker” Title from Cabinet – What’s Underlying Motive?

DID Press: Following the decision of the Taliban’s leader to remove the “Caretaker” title from cabinet ministers, a survey conducted by DID Press shows diverse and multilayered public opinion on the move.

According to the poll results, 50% of participants believe this change is an attempt to gain domestic and international legitimacy for the Taliban’s caretaker government. In their view, Taliban are trying through such measures to show that their political structure has been consolidated and has moved beyond a temporary phase.

In contrast, 25% described the move as a symbolic gesture without any real change—something limited only to titles and terminology, with no effect on the government’s overall policies or performance.

Meanwhile, 13% of respondents saw the decision as a sign of power centralization and strengthening the Taliban leader’s position, while another 12% considered it an attempt to reduce internal criticism.

These figures indicate that although a large portion of society interprets the move as a bid for legitimacy, there is also significant critical scrutiny.  Analysts argue that removing a title alone cannot address domestic and international concerns about the exclusive and opaque structure of Afghanistan’s current government.