Taliban said Wednesday they have canceled existing contracts for the Uranus Palace Wedding Hall and its parking area in Kabul, announcing plans to repurpose the site into a market for precious and semi-precious stones.
In a statement, the Taliban’s economic commission, chaired by their deputy chief minister Abdul Ghani Baradar, said the decision had been approved by Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada.
The statement added that contracts for the Khalij and Mumtaz Mahal wedding halls in the same area will continue until their expiration, after which they will be subject to regulations set by Kabul municipality.
Contracts for the Nazif Market, Alaudin gas station and Zahir Shah Market were also put up for open bidding, with new tenants already paying rent, the Taliban said.
Business owners in Kabul did not immediately comment, but residents and traders say they have faced serious challenges since the Taliban returned to power in 2021, including rising costs, shrinking demand and tighter controls.
The Uranus Wedding Hall has been one of Kabul’s largest venues for gatherings, weddings and conferences.
