Stanekzai to stay head of Taliban’s political office in Qatar

Khaama Press
November 23, 2015

Sher Mohammad Abbas Stankezai who was until recently the acting head of Taliban’s political office in Qatar will stay as head of the office.

According to Pakistan’s The Express Tribune News, a Taliban news source, the appointment was made by Taliban’s Supreme Leader Mullah Akhtar Mohammad Mansour.

Abdul Salam Hanafi has been appointed as deputy to Stanekzai.

Stanekzai was deputy to Sayed Tayyeb Agha but after Agha’s resignation over the appointment of Mullah Akhtar Mansour as the Supreme Leader of Taliban he was appointed as the acting chief to the political office.

Some other key members of Taliban also opposed the election but Stanekzai was one of those who announced support for Mullah Akhtar Mansoor.

“We assure our full support to the new chief,” a statement sent to media by Stanekzai stated. “I and other members of the Political Office of the Islamic Emirate declare allegiance to the honourable Mullah Akhtar Mansoor. We consider this decision in accordance with Islamic Sharia and will follow his instructions.”

Stanekzai, who ages between 55 and 60 years, was the deputy health minister during Taliban regime and one of the founders of the Qatar political office.

Holding a masters’ degree in political science, Stanekzai was member of the Harakat-e-Inqilab-e-Islami under the leadership of Mawlawi Mohammad Nabi during the Jihad era.