Shiite Commission

Shiite Commission, High Commission for Shia in Afghanistan

There is an important distinction to establish first: “Shiite Commission” is not a sufficiently precise name to identify one Afghan organization. It could refer to a commission representing Afghanistan's Shiite community, a religious council, or a body dealing with Shiite affairs under the Taliban.

For an accurate background, the organization's official name, leadership and relationship with the Taliban need to be established. This is particularly important when examining alleged arrests, disappearances or other actions against its members.

According to Afghan media reports, the commission was established on the orders of Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada and operates under the supervision of the Taliban intelligence directorate. It is therefore distinct from an independent opposition council.

Personnel from the Taliban’s Justice Ministry surrounded the Shiite Commission’s office on Sunday  September 13, 2026 before entering the commissions building and detaining several people. Those detained were taken to the ministry and remained in Taliban custody, according to sources.

Among those detained were the commission’s head, Mohammad Ali Akhlaqi, and members Sayed Nader Shah Bahr, Mohammad Amir Bazel, Sayed Mohsen Hosseini and Sayed Abdullah Hashemi, sources said.