The Supreme Leader of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA), Hibatullah Akhundzada, has emphasized the need for strict implementation of Sharia law and the need for sincere public service by government officials, according to a statement from the group’s deputy spokesperson.

Hamdullah Fitrat said Akhundzada delivered the remarks during a three-day reform seminar held in Kandahar, attended by officials from various ministries and government institutions.

During his address, the IEA leader stressed that the laws of the Islamic Emirate are derived from Islamic teachings and are not based on the views or opinions of a limited number of individuals. He underscored that all state affairs must be conducted in accordance with Sharia principles to strengthen the governing system.

Fitrat added that Akhundzada also highlighted the responsibility of the government to protect the rights of vulnerable groups, including orphans, widows, people with disabilities, the poor, migrants, and prisoners. He described providing services and education for these groups as a core duty of the state.

The IEA leader further urged officials to serve the public with sincerity, compassion, and integrity, calling on them to pay close attention to the needs and concerns of the population and to carry out their duties in line with Islamic law.

Sharjah Warriorz continued their winning run in the DP World ILT20 Season 4, defeating Gulf Giants by 11 runs at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Monday to make it two wins from two matches.

A composed batting effort led by Tom Abell, followed by disciplined bowling spearheaded by Matheesha Pathirana, proved decisive as the Warriorz successfully defended a total of 174/6.

Abell anchored the innings with a polished 68 off 41 balls, striking five fours and three sixes. After an early setback that saw Tom Kohler-Cadmore and Johnson Charles dismissed cheaply, Abell steadied the innings alongside James Rew, who contributed 39 off 33. The pair added 71 runs before Abell fell, with Dwaine Pretorius providing late impetus with a quick 28 off 13 to lift the Warriorz to a competitive total.

In reply, the Gulf Giants suffered an early collapse as Wasim Akram and Taskin Ahmed removed Pathum Nissanka and James Vince inside the powerplay. Matheesha Pathirana further dented the chase with a wicket-maiden, leaving the Giants struggling at 44/4 after six overs.

Azmatullah Omarzai (41 off 26) and Moeen Ali (45 off 41) mounted a brief recovery, adding 79 runs for the fifth wicket. However, timely breakthroughs halted the momentum, with Akram breaking the partnership and Pathirana striking again in the death overs.

The Warriorz bowlers maintained pressure late in the innings, with Pathirana and Pretorius picking up key wickets to restrict the Giants to 163/9 and seal the 11-run win.

Pathirana finished with three wickets and was named Player of the Match, while stand-in captain Sikander Raza praised his bowling unit for executing plans under pressure and closing out crucial moments.

Cricket fans across Afghanistan can meanwhile tune in to Ariana Television today, Tuesday December 16, from 2pm to watch the next match, between Sharjah Warriorz and MI Emirates.

Special envoys on Afghanistan from Iran, Pakistan, China, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan met in Tehran this week and voiced support for efforts aimed at easing rising tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

They also called on both sides to resolve their differences through talks.

In a joint statement, the envoys expressed readiness to help strengthen initiatives that promote dialogue and urged Kabul and Islamabad to return to negotiations and settle disputes through diplomatic means.

The meeting also reiterated opposition to any foreign military presence in Afghanistan and stressed the responsibility of the international community to lift sanctions and release Afghanistan’s frozen assets.

Envoys reviewed the latest political and security developments in Afghanistan and emphasized the importance of regional convergence and a region-centered approach to addressing the country’s challenges.

The statement underlined the need to strengthen stability in Afghanistan and said participating countries stand ready to provide assistance if requested by the Afghan side.

They also highlighted the importance of continued economic cooperation and regional engagement to support long-term stability and development.