Taliban Enact Law for Sale and Distribution of State Land Plots

The Taliban Ministry of Justice has published the "Law on the Sale and Distribution of Emirate Land Plots and Granting of Construction Permits" in the official gazette. Barakatullah Rasouli, spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice, stated that the law consists of 38 articles.

The legislation establishes a framework for the sale and distribution of state-owned land plots and the issuance of building permits. The law will be implemented by the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing, municipalities, and the land department of the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock.

Under the new law, the administration can sell state or "Emirate" land plots to current residents or occupants. Land prices are determined based on regulations approved by the administration.

The law prohibits the sale of state lands to individuals identified by the court as "usurpers." There are also limits on the number of plots an individual can own to remain eligible for land distribution; Afghanistan International and ToloNews report a limit of four residential plots, while Hasht-e Subh states the limit is one.

Additionally, ownership rights may be revoked if the buyer fails to begin construction within three years or misses payment deadlines, which are set between three and six months.