Islamic Unity Party Condemns Forced Eviction from Omid Sabz Township in Kabul
The Islamic Unity Party of Afghanistan has strongly condemned the Taliban administration’s decision to evacuate the residents of Omid Sabz Township in western Kabul, describing it as unjust, violating property rights and human dignity, amid growing concerns about the forced displacement.
On Tuesday, August 4th, the party issued a statement declaring that the recent decision lacks any legal basis or moral legitimacy and could exacerbate distrust and deepen social and ethnic divisions. The statement noted that continued actions like these, especially in areas with historic Hazara and Shia populations, heighten fears of systematic discrimination and demographic change.
The Islamic Unity Party emphasized that Omid Sabz Township was established based on religious deeds, official ownership documents, and legal permits from the previous government, supervised by the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing at the time. According to the party, the land was purchased from owners with valid documents, and thousands of families have invested their personal resources to build shelter there, relying on legal proofs.
The statement further warned that forced displacement and the destruction of homes could trigger international accountability mechanisms, contradicting Hanafi and Ja’fari jurisprudence principles as well as international legal standards.
The party demanded that the Taliban administration immediately halt any eviction or deprivation of residents’ rights in this township and similar areas and called for property disputes to be resolved transparently, independently, and fairly. It also urged international organizations and human rights bodies to act to prevent forced displacement and violations of Afghan citizens’ rights.
This reaction follows a special Taliban court declaring 1,507.49 jeribs (approximately 315 acres) of Omid Sabz land as “Emirati” territory, with the Taliban’s Ministry of Justice ordering residents to vacate.
Omid Sabz Township is located in western Kabul and is predominantly inhabited by Hazaras. Established over the past two decades, reports indicate that Mohammad Nabi Khalili, brother of Mohammad Karim Khalili, the former vice president of Afghanistan, is a major shareholder. Since returning to power, the Taliban have reviewed ownership records of several townships, declaring parts of their lands as “Emirati,” a move criticized by owners for the lack of an independent and impartial judicial process.
