Web Desk: A prominent Pakistani religious scholar has revealed a secret financial deal within the Taliban’s top leadership. Mufti Abdul Rahim, head of Jamia-tur-Rasheed, detailed how a $500,000 payment resolved a high-stakes power struggle.
The dispute followed the death of the Taliban’s founder, Mullah Omar. His son, Mullah Yaqoob, demanded the leadership role. However, senior council members preferred Mullah Akhtar Mansoor for the position.
Mufti Abdul Rahim explained the crisis during a recent television interview. He stated that Mullah Yaqoob insisted on becoming the supreme leader as his father’s rightful heir. This demand created a significant rift during a sensitive transition period.
“Mullah Yaqoob was very young at the time,” Rahim noted. The scholar added that Yaqoob had little experience inside Afghanistan back then. Because of this, regional stakeholders and senior leaders doubted his ability to lead the movement.
The leadership eventually chose Mullah Akhtar Mansoor as the new Emir. This decision deeply angered Mullah Yaqoob. To settle the grievance, the group offered him a $500,000 payout.
The cash payment successfully convinced Yaqoob to withdraw his candidacy. This deal allowed Mullah Mansoor to take control without further internal conflict. The payoff effectively bought stability for the insurgency during a period of extreme uncertainty.
Mullah Yaqoob eventually reconciled with the leadership. He now serves as the Acting Defense Minister in the current Afghan government. These new revelations highlight the pragmatic and often transactional nature of the Taliban’s internal politics.
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