Mawlawi Mohammad Younas Akhundzada is a veteran Taliban military commander who has served as Minister of Energy and Water since early January 2026.
He previously held the post of Minister of Rural Rehabilitation and Development from September 2021 to January 2026.
His military career dates back to the 1990s, when he served as a deputy commander of an army corps in Kandahar during the first Taliban regime. Additionally, he reportedly served as a provincial Chief of Police in Kabul province. Following the Taliban’s removal from power in 2001, Younas Akhundzada is reported to have overseen the group’s relations with non-governmental organizations (NGOs), businesses, and private companies.His career reflects a blend of military leadership and administrative experience, underscoring his prominence within the Taliban government in both security and civilian affairs.
