A classified Taliban intelligence report warns that rising public anger could reach breaking point and pave the way for the return of warlords unless the group changes course, according to documents obtained by Afghanistan International.

The report, sent to Abdul Haq Wasiq, head of the Taliban’s intelligence agency, cites a deepening legitimacy crisis, widening rifts within the movement’s leadership and the potential re-emergence of alternative power centres. It urges reforms to prevent further unrest.

The document warns that a comeback by warlords could attract public support, fuelled by frustration over harsh social restrictions, particularly against women, curbs on civil liberties and opaque economic policies.

It also highlights growing divisions within Taliban ranks over the country’s future direction, saying the internal crisis has reached a level “that can no longer be ignored.”

The Taliban administration has not commented on the report, and it is unclear whether it has been shared with the group’s reclusive leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, in Kandahar.