Hibatullah Akhundzada

Hibatullah Akhundzada is the leader of the Taliban, the militant group that controls Afghanistan. He took over as the group's head in 2016 after the death of the previous leader. Akhundzada is known as a religious scholar and holds significant influence over both the Taliban's military and political activities. Unlike a traditional political leader, his authority is rooted in religious legitimacy within the group. His leadership aims to implement a strict interpretation of Islamic law in Afghanistan. Despite international interest, he maintains a low profile and is considered a key figure in shaping the country's direction under Taliban rule.