Taliban Leader Lays Foundation for New Prayer Ground in Helmand

Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada visited Lashkar Gah in Helmand province on Friday to lay the foundation stone for a large public prayer ground. The visit was confirmed by the provincial Information and Culture Department, which stated the project will be constructed to standard specifications and designed to accommodate thousands of worshippers during major religious observances.

During the ceremony in the Safian area, Akhundzada addressed attendees and emphasized the importance of unity, solidarity, and consensus among the population. The facility, referred to in official statements as an Eidgah, is intended to serve as a central gathering space for religious events.

This marks the second trip by the Taliban leader to Helmand within a two-week period. He previously traveled to the Kajaki district alongside Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani to inaugurate another development project. Akhundzada has largely restricted his official movements to southern provinces in recent months, with Kandahar widely regarded by observers as the de facto administrative center of the country.

Since returning to power, the de facto authorities have announced the construction of hundreds of mosques and educational facilities across the country, frequently highlighting a focus on religious instruction and community infrastructure. The provincial department reiterated that the new Lashkar Gah project will proceed according to established engineering and architectural guidelines.