Judicial Authority
An academic exploration into the life, career, and legal challenges faced by a prominent Afghan jurist and Taliban figure.
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Overview
A Leading Afghan Jurist
Abdul Hakim Haqqani, also known as Abdulhakim Ishaqzai, born in 1967, is a distinguished Afghan Islamic scholar and writer. He currently holds the significant position of Chief Justice of Afghanistan within the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, a role he assumed in 2021. His judicial leadership extends back to the 1996โ2001 Islamic Emirate, where he also served as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.
Founding Member and Confidant
Haqqani is recognized as one of the founding members of the Taliban movement. His close association with the late leader Mullah Mohammed Omar underscores his deep roots and influence within the organization. This foundational role has positioned him as a key figure in both the political and judicial spheres of Afghanistan.
International Legal Scrutiny
In a significant development, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Haqqani in July 2025. These warrants stem from charges alleging his instrumental role in the mistreatment of women by the Taliban in Afghanistan, specifically concerning policies that implement and justify gender-based repressions against women and girls since August 2021.
Early Life
Origins in Kandahar
Abdul Hakim Haqqani was born in 1967 to Mawlawi Khudaidad in the Panjwayi District of Kandahar Province, located in the Kingdom of Afghanistan. His early life was shaped in a region with a rich history and complex socio-political landscape, which would later become central to his career.
Scholarly Foundations
His formal education was completed at Darul Uloom Haqqania, a prominent Deobandi Islamic seminary situated in Pakistan. This institution is renowned for its rigorous curriculum in Islamic sciences and jurisprudence. Following his graduation, Haqqani dedicated a period to teaching at this very seminary, laying the groundwork for his future roles as a scholar and jurist.
Career
Multifaceted Public Service
Abdul Hakim Haqqani's career has been characterized by diverse roles spanning religious education, judicial administration, and high-level diplomacy. His trajectory reflects a deep engagement with both the theological and practical aspects of governance within the Taliban's framework, from its early days to its contemporary iteration.
Evolution of Influence
From his foundational involvement with the Taliban and close ties to its initial leadership, Haqqani has consistently held positions of significant responsibility. His journey from a seminary teacher to a chief negotiator and ultimately the Chief Justice highlights a continuous evolution of his influence and authority within the movement.
Teaching
Academic Contributions
Beyond his initial teaching tenure at Darul Uloom Haqqania, Abdul Hakim Haqqani further solidified his commitment to Islamic education by establishing and operating his own Islamic seminary, or madrasa. This institution was located in the Ishaqabad area of Quetta, within Pakistan's Balochistan province. His dedication to teaching underscores his role as a scholar deeply invested in the dissemination of Islamic knowledge and jurisprudence.
Justice
Judicial Leadership
During the initial period of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (1996โ2001), Abdul Hakim Haqqani served in key judicial capacities. His roles included service in the Appellate Court and at the Central Dar ul-Ifta, which is a central body for issuing religious edicts. These positions provided him with extensive experience in the application of Islamic law.
Appointment as Chief Justice
Following the appointment of Hibatullah Akhundzada as Supreme Leader, Abdul Hakim Haqqani was elevated to the position of Chief Justice. He assumed this critical role in the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan in August 2021, marking his return to the highest judicial office and placing him at the helm of the nation's legal system.
Diplomacy
Chief Negotiator
In September 2020, Abdul Hakim Haqqani was appointed as the Taliban's chief negotiator for the peace talks held in Qatar. This pivotal role involved leading discussions with the government of Afghanistan, aiming to resolve long-standing conflicts. He succeeded Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, who subsequently became his deputy within the 21-member negotiating team, highlighting Haqqani's significant diplomatic trust and authority.
Legal
European Union Sanctions
On July 20, 2023, Abdul Hakim Haqqani was subjected to sanctions by the European Union (EU). These sanctions were imposed due to his perceived instrumental role as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court in the implementation of policies and the propagation of ideological teachings that aim to establish and justify gender-based repressions against women in Afghanistan. This action by the EU underscores international concerns regarding human rights under the current Afghan administration.
International Criminal Court Warrants
Further international legal action was taken on January 23, 2025, when Karim Khan, the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), announced the submission of arrest warrant applications for Abdul Hakim Haqqani and Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada. The ICC Pre-Trial Chamber II subsequently granted these warrants on July 8, 2025.
Writings
Scholar and Author
Abdul Hakim Haqqani is widely regarded as highly knowledgeable in Islamic jurisprudence, as noted by The Express Tribune. His scholarly depth is further evidenced by his authorship of several books. These publications contribute to the body of Islamic legal thought and reflect his intellectual contributions beyond his political and judicial roles.
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References
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