Ministry Denies Reports of Plans to Relocate Kabul Mandawi Market

The Ministry of Urban Development and Housing of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has formally denied recent media reports suggesting that authorities are preparing to relocate Kabul Mandawi market. Officials clarified that no specific relocation plan is currently under consideration or review by government agencies.

The clarification follows a technical meeting held on the 16th of the 11th month of 1447 AH, which focused exclusively on urban infrastructure and commercial development. According to the ministry, the agenda centered on the construction of basement parking facilities for multi-story commercial buildings in the capital. A brief reference to urban congestion and the potential long-term management of market areas was misinterpreted by several news outlets as an official government directive to move the Mandawi market.

Ministry representatives emphasized that urban planning initiatives require formal approval and structured implementation phases before any public announcement is made. They stated that the recent gathering was strictly a consultation regarding parking infrastructure and did not produce any binding decisions on commercial zoning or market relocation.

Officials reiterated that the Mandawi market will continue to operate under its current framework. Any future adjustments to commercial zoning or infrastructure in the area would be communicated through official channels only after comprehensive feasibility studies and formal approvals are completed. The ministry urged media organizations to verify information with official statements before publishing reports on urban development policies.