The Taliban’s Ministry of Justice has announced the enactment of a new law titled “Investigation of Movable and Immovable Property of Absent Persons,” approved by Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada.
According to the ministry, the law consists of four chapters and 31 articles and will be implemented by the Directorate for the Investigation of Movable and Immovable Property of Absent Persons under the Military Deputy Office of the Taliban Supreme Court.
Taliban authorities say the legislation establishes procedures for the registration, transfer, certification, and administration of movable and immovable assets belonging to individuals who are absent or missing.
The law also outlines mechanisms for the protection, maintenance, and eventual return of such properties.
Under the new provisions, assets belonging to deceased individuals who have no legal heirs or eligible beneficiaries will be transferred to the public treasury.
Another section of the law states that the transfer of assets or benefits derived from them to individuals whom the Taliban classify as “promoters of corruption” can only occur through a direct order from Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada.
According to Article 9, if the owner, heir, or legal representative of an absent person appears and provides the necessary documentation, the property can be returned following a judicial decision.
Article 29 further stipulates that houses and properties seized unlawfully either before or after the Taliban’s return to power must be restored to their rightful owners or legally authorized representatives through a court order.
The legislation also covers issues related to property registration, leasing, buying and selling, legal representation, and the recognition of powers of attorney issued outside Afghanistan.
The announcement comes amid continuing debate over property rights, legal protections, and the management of assets belonging to Afghans who have left the country or remain missing.
The Taliban have presented the law as a framework for regulating property disputes and safeguarding assets, while observers are expected to closely monitor how the provisions are implemented in practice.
