BBC documents Taliban's grip on Afghan society five years after takeover

Five years after regaining control of Afghanistan, the Taliban has consolidated power by extending its authority into the most intimate aspects of Afghan society, from divorce proceedings to smartphone usage, according to a BBC investigation into the group's operational methods.

The documentary follows senior Taliban figures as they navigate the complexities of governing a nation of 40 million people, revealing how the movement has transformed from an insurgent force into a state apparatus. Rather than relying solely on military enforcement, Taliban leaders are establishing bureaucratic systems designed to regulate behavior and reinforce their interpretation of Islamic law across urban and rural areas.

Key areas of control include the judiciary, where Taliban-appointed judges oversee family law matters including divorce cases, and telecommunications, where restrictions on smartphone technology reflect the group's concerns about information flow and cultural influence. These mechanisms demonstrate a sophisticated approach to state control that extends beyond traditional military governance.

The investigation highlights the tensions within Taliban leadership between pragmatists seeking international recognition and hardliners pushing for stricter enforcement of their version of Sharia law. These internal divisions have shaped policy decisions affecting everything from girls' education to economic management.