From a reclusive, non-political family in Kandahar, that fled the country during the civil war, Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada has risen to become the Taliban's new leader.

But just who is this man and where does he come from? TOLOnews' correspondent Abdullah Hamim finds out.

Hibatullah was born in Panjwai district in the southern province 56 years ago. But fleeing the civil war, his family went to Pakistan.

A number of tribal elders in Panjwai, however said Hibatullah's family lived in Safid Rawan village for five decades. His father, Mullah Mohammad Akhund, was a religious scholar at a local mosque.

"We know the family of the Taliban's new leader. They lived here in Safid Rawan village 50 years ago. He was born here. His family was very kind. Hibatullah spent most of his childhood days here in this area," said

Haji Din Mohammad, a tribal elder from Panjwai.

His father was a cleric for many years at the Malook mosque and the family was not involved in politics, according to the tribal elders.

The elders said Hibatullah's family were well mannered and well behaved towards others but that they kept to themselves and did not participate in tribal assemblies and sessions, which were held to solve and discuss the villagers' problems.

Taliban last week confirmed former leader Mullah Mansour's death and appointed Hibatullah as his successor.

Hibatullah himself is a cleric and was the Taliban's top judge and a deputy under Mansour.

Sirajuddin Haqqani and Mohammad Yaqub, the elder son of the Taliban's founding leader Mullah Mohammad Omar, will serve as Hibatullah's top deputies.

Hibatullah reportedly lives in Ghaus Abad area in Quetta city in Pakistan.

Some critics said they believe that Hibatullah will further the Taliban insurgency.

Meanwhile, it is said that Hibatullah's appointment as the Taliban's new leader was done without consulting Mullah Rassoul, the leader of a divided faction of Taliban insurgents.