Haibatullah Akhundzada has recently appeared in the news due to his role as the third Supreme Commander of the Taliban, overseeing the group's activities and policies. Under his leadership, the Taliban has been involved in negotiations with various parties, including the Afghan government and international stakeholders, as well as facing criticism for their treatment of women and restrictions on their rights in Afghanistan.
Born in 1961, Mawlawi Hibatullah Akhundzada is a political and religious leader who holds the title of Emir-al-Mumineen (Commander of the Faithful) within the Taliban. He assumed leadership following the death of his predecessor, Mullah Akhtar Mansour, in a U.S. drone strike in 2016. Akhundzada is known for his conservative religious views and has been instrumental in shaping the Taliban's policies, including their recent actions in Afghanistan. His leadership has been marked by efforts to consolidate the Taliban's control and influence in the region, while also engaging in diplomatic efforts to navigate the group's international relations.