Writer:Salima Aryaei
Taliban authorities have issued a new directive announcing that the construction of buildings taller than three stories in major cities of Afghanistan, including Kabul, is prohibited. This restriction also applies to residential buildings and covers all new construction projects.
Nematullah Barakzai, spokesperson for the Kabul Municipality, stated in a press conference that, according to this directive, no individual or organization is allowed to build more than three stories. He added that these stories must be built without basements or underground floors, and compliance with this limitation is mandatory for everyone.
The directive also specifies that, in order to obtain a construction permit, citizens must provide, in addition to the usual documents such as the Sharia deed, tax payment receipt, real estate transaction documents, and a confirmation from the neighborhood representative, the permission of the local imam or mosque leader. This requirement is considered part of the permit issuance process.
According to the regulations, all new constructions must adhere to urban planning maps and technical standards, and municipal authorities are obligated to refrain from issuing permits for buildings that violate this directive. It is still unclear what impact this decision will have on ongoing construction projects.
