DID Press: Hibatullah Akhundzada appeared at the Eidgah Mosque in Kandahar on Thursday to lead Eid al-Fitr prayers and deliver a speech, according to the Taliban government.
In an audio recording released by the Taliban, Akhundzada—without directly naming Pakistan—stated: “If anyone bombs us or targets us with artillery, do not waver in your belief or faith.”
The Taliban-controlled national television aired a 46-minute version of the speech, which largely focused on enforcing his orders, unity, obedience, and support for the Taliban regime.
Although he did not directly address recent tensions with Pakistan, Akhundzada concluded: “We cannot be destroyed by guns or airplanes. If it were possible, the United States and the Soviet Union would have already eliminated us. This is thanks to unity, Islam, and Sharia.”
He accused “infidels” of attempting to sow division among the people, labeled some media outlets as “anti-Islam,” and urged followers not to heed Western media.
The Taliban leader reiterated the importance of obeying his commands and laws, framing them as necessary for “guiding the people.” He said: “I am compelled; I am the leader of these Muslims, and I will guide them on the path of God.”
Akhundzada called on citizens to remain united and support the Taliban government, adding: “If it were not for this religion and Islam, we would now be servants of the Americans, NATO, and Europe. Now we are free and possess an unprecedented military across the world.”