POLITICS — June 17, 2026
Afghan Interior Ministry to Stop Issuing License Plates for Left-Hand Drive Vehicles
Existing left-hand drive vehicles allowed in Kabul will be removed from the city, while talks on modifying their steering continue without a finalized outcome.
The Ehtebar Desk — originates with Omid Radio — corroborated by Hurriyat — 2 min read

The Ministry of Interior announced that no further license plates will be issued for left-hand drive vehicles in Afghanistan.
All such vehicles previously permitted to operate in Kabul will be removed from the city.
Discussions are ongoing among several government agencies on converting the steering mechanisms of these vehicles, though no final decision has been reached.
Read the original reporting at Omid Radio →
Reliability assessment
Two independent outlets corroborate the core event with direct attribution to a named Ministry of Interior spokesman (Abdul Mateen Qani). Minor wording differences do not affect verification of the policy announcement.
The source language reads straight.
Across the newsrooms
Where reports agree
- Ministry of Interior spokesman (Abdul Mateen Qani / Mufti Abdul Mateen Qani) announced that no license plates will be issued for left-hand drive vehicles.
- Existing left-hand drive vehicles will be removed from Kabul.
- Talks are underway about modifying steering mechanisms but remain undecided.
Where reports differ
- Omid Radio additionally references 'Pakistan-hand vehicles' as part of the ban; Hurriyat does not mention this term.
Filed by 2 outlets
Omid Radio
Originating
Reported straight
Reported straight
Hurriyat
Reported straight
Reported straight
Filed under
Politics — Afghanistan, Ministry of Interior, Vehicle Licensing, Left-hand Drive Vehicles, Kabul
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