NEW DELHI: The Taliban have nominated Mullah Mohammad Hasan Akhund as the new head of state, according to senior leaders, as per news report.  They said the new government was likely to be installed on Wednesday, "or may get delayed for a few more days", The News International reported.

Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund is currently the head of the Taliban's powerful decision-making body, Rehbari Shura or leadership council. He belongs to Kandahar, the birthplace of the Taliban, and was among the founders of the armed movement, the report added.

A senior Taliban leader’s statement on the appointment read as follows: "Ameerul Momineen Sheikh Hibatullah Akhunzada had himself proposed Mullah Mohammad Hasan Akhund as Raees-e-Jamhoor or the new head state of Afghanistan. Mullah Baradar Akhund and Mullah Abdus Salam will work as his deputy.,"

" Hasan Akhund worked for 20 years as head of Rehbari Shura and earned himself a very good reputation. He was foreign minister and then made deputy prime minister when Mullah Mohammad Rabbani Akhund was the prime minister He is a religious leader rather than a military background and is known for his character and devotion," said another Taliban leader.

Islamic militants attack Iraq checkpoint, 13 policemen killed

Northern Alliance launches gorilla war against Taliban

Nepal warns protesters not to burn effigy of PM Narendra Modi