Biography

Alhaj Mullah Nooruddin Turabi, the Acting Head of Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority – ANDMA

Alhaj Mullah Nooruddin Turabi, son of Alhaj Molvi Muhammad Qasim and grandson of Molvi Agha Muhammad, was born in 1961 in the village of Angar Chit, Dehrawad District, Urzgan Province, in a devout and scholarly family. He got his initial religious education from his father and later pursued further studies in Kandahar, where he completed both religious and modern sciences in various Madrasas and educational institutions until 1979. In 1979, when the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan, Turabi Sahb joined the jihad to defend his homeland. He initiated guerrilla warfare in Kandahar city against Soviet forces and their allies (the Khalq and Parcham factions). His activities expanded rapidly, and the number of guerrilla mujahideen under his command grew significantly. In 1981, Alhaj Turabi Sahb and two of his companions were captured by Soviet forces in Kandahar and remained imprisoned for nine months. In 1988, Soviet forces withdrew from Afghanistan and in 1992, the government of Dr. Najibullah was overthrown by the mujahideen. However, this led to civil war, looting and instability across the country. During this period, Alhaj Turabi Sahb distributed all his resources and supplies to his mujahideen and safeguarded his heavy and light weapons, awaiting the establishment of an independent system to which he could hand them over. In 1994, the Islamic Taliban Movement began in Kandahar’s Panjwai District under the leadership of Marhoom Mullah Muhammad Omar Mujahid (May his soul rest in peace). Alhaj Turabi Sahb handed over all his weapons and equipment to Marhoom Mullah Muhammad Omar Mujahid (May his soul rest in peace) and was appointed as the head of the Taliban’s Islamic Movement Council. Subsequently, Alhaj Turabi Sahb was appointed head of the Administrative Commission in Kandahar, during which he organized the structure of military and civilian institutions across Afghanistan and cataloged and registered the country’s weaponry. In 1996, when Kabul was conquered by the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, Alhaj Mulla Nooruddin Turabi was appointed Minister of Justice. During his tenure, he implemented Islamic laws throughout the country and oversaw the review of ministerial regulations under the supervision of religious scholars. After the fall of the Islamic Emirate, he migrated to Pakistan, where he spent his days and nights in exile. In 2006, Alhaj Turabi Sahb was arrested by Pakistani authorities and spent approximately six and a half years in various prisons. He was released in 2012 and was later appointed by the Taliban leader, Shaheed Mullah Akhtar Muhammad Mansoor (May his soul rest in peace), as the head of the Recruitment and Mobilization Commission for 15 provinces in southwestern Afghanistan. During this period, he continued efforts to recruit and mobilize military personnel into the ranks of the Taliban. On October 3, 2018, he was appointed head of the Prisoners’ Commission, during which he facilitated the release of numerous prisoners. Notably, during negotiations with the American delegation in Qatar, he secured the release of 5,000 Taliban mujahideen in exchange for 1,000 government soldiers. On August 10, 2021, Alhaj Turabi Sahb was appointed Deputy General Director of Afghan Red Crescent Society, where he resolved longstanding issues. During his tenure, the organization’s structure and budget were effectively streamlined and humanitarian aid was distributed transparently to those in need. Currently, Alhaj Nooruddin Turabi Sahb serves as the Acting Head of Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority – ANDMA. Alhaj Nooruddin Turabi Sahb is recognized as a highly influential figure in Afghan society, with a life marked by prolonged struggle, service, and unparalleled sacrifices for the freedom of his homeland.