Sources in Kabul have confirmed to IntelMedium that Qari Ruhullah Abida, a close associate of Sirajuddin Haqqani and a Taliban member, is simultaneously holding three official positions and drawing salaries from each. This comes despite a decree from Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada, the leader of the Taliban, which explicitly prohibits individuals from occupying more than one official post at a time.
According to these sources, Qari Ruhullah Abida serves as the border commander at Kabul Airport, directly overseeing its operations. At the same time, he works as a military aircraft pilot. Additionally, he manages a religious school in Khost, “Jamia Shams-ul-Uloom Islamia,” established and funded by the Taliban. A well-informed source told IntelMedium that Qari Ruhullah receives income from all three roles.
Based on the information provided, he earns a monthly salary of 25,000 AFN as a brigadier general (without additional benefits), 25,000 AFN as the head of the “Jamia Shams-ul-Uloom Islamia” school in Khost, and over 50,000 AFN as a military pilot, bringing his total monthly income to more than 100,000 AFN. This substantial income stands in stark contrast to the plight of many ordinary employees—or former employees dismissed by the Taliban—who are left without any source of income and are grappling with severe economic hardship.
Another source from Kabul Airport further confirmed that Qari Ruhullah Abida has dismissed approximately 100 former airport employees while managing his multiple responsibilities. These layoffs have disproportionately affected skilled professionals and technical staff, many of whom now face financial difficulties under Taliban rule. Reports have also emerged suggesting that these sacked workers are being replaced by individuals loyal to the group.
Sources also revealed that graduates of the “Jamia Shams-ul-Uloom Islamia” school in Khost, overseen by Qari Ruhullah, are being appointed to positions within the Afghan air force.
The Taliban leader’s decree prohibiting individuals from holding multiple posts was issued in Jadi 1403 (December 2024–January 2025) as part of an effort to curb administrative monopolies and enhance transparency. However, cases like Qari Ruhullah Abida’s suggest that the directive is not being universally enforced.
The phenomenon of a single individual drawing multiple salaries has drawn attention at a time when many former government employees remain jobless and struggle with dire economic conditions. This is not the first instance of Taliban members holding multiple official roles. Previous reports have highlighted similar cases where individuals within the group have taken on several positions and received corresponding salaries.
