KABUL, Afghanistan: Nearly 80,000 people living in a residential township in western Kabul face possible eviction after Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities declared the area, known as Omid Sabz Township, state property, prompting 28 civil society organisations to urge the United Nations and the international community to intervene.
In an open letter, the organisations appealed to the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), UN special rapporteurs, the European Union, the United Kingdom and international organisations to help prevent the displacement of thousands of families.
The groups warned that the Taliban’s decision could result in the seizure of privately owned homes and land, potentially affecting approximately 11,500 families living in the township.
Disputed Land Ownership
According to the letter, approximately 11,500 families, comprising nearly 80,000 people, live in the township. Afghanistan International reported.
The Taliban’s Ministry of Justice said a special court investigating cases involving seized state land in the central zone had reviewed documents concerning 1,507.49 acres in Omid Sabz and ruled that the entire area belonged to the state.
Residents dispute the ruling, saying they possess land purchase and sale documents as well as municipal permits supporting their ownership claims.
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They also maintain that courts under successive governments, including during the Taliban’s first period in power, had upheld their property rights.
They say their records include land purchase agreements, sale documents and municipal permits issued by relevant authorities.
Residents Seek Reversal of Decision
The ownership ruling has triggered opposition among township residents, who have repeatedly appealed to Taliban authorities to reconsider the decision.
A delegation of community elders previously travelled to Kandahar to seek intervention from Taliban supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada.
However, those efforts have not resulted in a reversal of the ruling.
The civil society organisations have called for immediate international attention, warning that the potential displacement of thousands of residents could create serious humanitarian and housing challenges.
The dispute remains unresolved, with residents continuing to challenge the Taliban’s ownership claim.
