POLITICS — April 7, 2026
Photo of Mullah Omar Visible in Taliban Public Works Minister's Office Amid Image Ban
Photos from a Taliban Ministry of Public Works meeting show a picture of Mullah Mohammad Omar in Acting Minister Mohammad Eisa Thani's office, despite the group's ban on images of living beings under the Amr bil Ma'ruf law. The ban has caused divisions, with some Taliban officials complying and others ignoring it.
The Ehtebar Desk — originates with Afghanistan International — 2 min read
KABUL — Official photos published by Afghanistan's Ministry of Public Works on social media show a picture of Mullah Mohammad Omar displayed in Acting Minister Mohammad Eisa Thani's office during a meeting with Iranian Ambassador Alireza Beikdeli on April 7, 2026 (18 Hamal).
The image of the Taliban's late founder appears on a book cover in a cabinet behind Thani, as captured in images from the meeting released by the ministry.
The display contradicts Article 17 of the Taliban's Amr bil Ma'ruf and Nahi anil Munkar law, which prohibits the publication of images of living beings, especially humans. The Taliban has enforced the ban in at least 25 provinces, with plans for further expansion.
Implementation of the image ban has revealed internal divisions within Taliban leadership. The prime minister, higher education minister, and Amr bil Ma'ruf minister have complied by avoiding the publication of photos. In contrast, deputy prime ministers, the interior minister, and the defense minister have continued to share images on social media.
The ministry's release of the photos underscores ongoing debates over adherence to the morality enforcement law.
Read the original reporting at Afghanistan International →
Reliability assessment
Single source provides direct evidence from official Taliban Ministry of Public Works announcement on X (social media) with published images showing the Mullah Omar photo; concrete checkable details including named officials (Mohammad Eisa Thani, Alireza Beikdeli), exact date (18 Hamal), specific law (Amr bil Ma'ruf, Article 17), and named other officials.
The source language mixes facts with framing or advocacy wording. Afghanistan International: "Contrary to the Amr bil Ma'ruf law" (title) - directly accuses the minister of violating the law, implying hypocrisy; "has led to disagreements within this group" - frames policy as divisive, adding emotional weight to internal conflict.
Independent web corroboration
An independent web search turned up no separate corroborating reports. Treat the account as single-sourced until more outlets pick it up.
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Afghanistan International
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Politics — Taliban, Mullah Omar, Amr bil Ma'ruf, Ministry of Public Works, Iran
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