Taliban Introduces Law Allowing Re-Sale of Confiscated Residential Townships

DID Press: Taliban administration has published a new land distribution and sales law that could enable authorities to confiscate residential townships classified as “state-owned” and sell them again to residents.

The new legislation, titled the “Law on the Sale and Distribution of State Land Plots and Construction Permits,” was published in the official gazette by the Taliban-run Ministry of Justice. The law grants authorities broad powers over land designated as “Emirati” or state property.

According to the ministry, the law consists of six chapters and 38 articles and is intended to regulate the sale and distribution of government land for residential and commercial purposes.

However, a review of the law’s provisions indicates that Taliban authorities may invalidate previous ownership claims and reassert control over residential areas that have been inhabited for years.

Under Articles 7 and 8, authorities are empowered to classify lands they claim ownership over as “state land,” even if those areas have already been developed into residential townships.

Article 11 imposes strict ownership conditions. It states that if a buyer fails to officially receive the land within a specified period or does not complete payment obligations for commercial property, ownership rights may be revoked.

The law further states that if construction does not begin within three years, Taliban authorities may reclaim the land and terminate the contract.

Additionally, the legislation limits individuals to ownership of only four residential plots in reclaimed townships, with any additional land subject to confiscation by authorities.

Critics fear the new law could create uncertainty over property rights and increase pressure on residents living in disputed or previously redistributed urban areas.