Taliban Restricts Use of Camera Drones in Afghanistan to Approval by Sirajuddin Haqqani

The Taliban administration has announced that the import or production of camera-equipped drones in Afghanistan will only be permitted with a direct order from Sirajuddin Haqqani, the acting Minister of Interior Affairs, or one of the senior security deputies of the ministry. According to a statement from the Taliban’s Ministry of Interior Affairs, no individual can import a camera-equipped drone into the country without an official license from the ministry.

Enayatullah Zulfiqar, an official from the Taliban’s Ministry of Interior Affairs, stated that a nationwide directive has been prepared regarding the import, sale, and use of camera drones, and all activities in this area must be conducted in accordance with this guideline. He emphasized that individuals using such equipment must apply for a license; otherwise, their cameras will be confiscated.

Under this decision, owners of camera drones are required to pay an annual tax of 20,000 Afghanis, and drone flights are permitted only up to an altitude of 10 meters above ground level. It was also stated that hotel owners may use camera drones after obtaining a license, and usage without authorization is prohibited.

The Taliban administration expressed concern over the potential use of these drones to monitor the group’s military and security facilities. Some of these drones also have the capability to transport materials, and officials have raised the possibility of explosives being installed on them.

These restrictions come at a time when technology activists and some residents say that imposing strict regulations and concentrating authority in the hands of a specific official could complicate commercial, media, and service activities. However, the Taliban administration has so far provided no explanation regarding transparent oversight and accountability in enforcing this regulation.