The Taliban announced on Tuesday (August 26) the launch of a five-year strategic plan, approved by the group’s supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada. The plan, presented by spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid, is described as a comprehensive roadmap to align all of the regime’s resources and activities under three core pillars: governance and international relations, security and public order, and economic and social development.
According to Mujahid, the plan outlines ten key sectors: economy, agriculture, energy, natural resources, housing, transport and telecommunications, religious and modern education and cultural affairs, healthcare, social protection, and environmental conservation.
It also includes 15 “priority programs,” such as enforcing Taliban interpretations of Islamic law, delivering what it calls “Islamic social justice,” reforming government institutions, and securing internal and border security.
Mujahid claimed the document sets out Afghanistan’s long-term developmental vision and national priorities, directing resources toward the regime’s strategic goals, integrating the private sector under the Taliban’s foundational framework, and promising “balanced development” across the country.
However, the Taliban has not published the full text of the plan, and it remains unclear whether women’s education and employment are included or excluded from this vision. The group continues to enforce sweeping bans on women and girls’ access to education and work, raising doubts about the inclusivity and legitimacy of the announced strategy.
