Taliban supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada has issued a decree banning Taliban officials and public employees from taking part, directly or indirectly, in bidding for mining and other public contracts.
The order also prohibits private companies in which Taliban officials or public employees hold shares or management roles from participating in such tenders, according to the decree.
The move was aimed at ensuring transparency in procurement, mining and other contracts involving public assets, the decree said.
“To ensure transparency in procurement, mining and other contracts of ministries and emirate institutions involving public property, emirate officials and employees may not participate, directly or indirectly, as bidders in contracts for goods, services, construction, mining or other agreements,” the decree said.
The ban also applies to private firms linked to Taliban officials or public employees, it added.
Akhundzada had issued a similar order in March 2023 barring Taliban officials from participating in public procurement and tender processes.
However, critics and some citizens have repeatedly accused the Taliban of favouring relatives and close associates in awarding contracts, saying the practice has increased monopolisation in public procurement.
Some critics say many companies awarded mining and procurement contracts are either owned by Taliban officials or linked to their relatives, allegations the Taliban have previously denied.
