Speaking at a Quran reading ceremony in the southeastern province of Khost, Haqqani noted that some groups demand freedom against Islamic values and Afghan culture.

Thanks to the sacrifices we and the people of Afghanistan made for the Quran, God has now given us the authority to implement Sharia. No one has the right to violate another person’s rights, but some people want rebellious freedom, violating Islamic boundaries and forgetting their own culture to accept the culture of others, the minister stated.

Haqqani’s comments on Islamic laws follow recent executions in Jawzjan and Ghazni provinces, which generated international condemnation.

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