TOLO News reported on November 8 that the leader of the Islamic Emirate, through an eight-point decree, has removed the authority over the distribution of weapons, ammunition, and military equipment from the Ministries of Interior, Defense, and the Directorate of Intelligence.

Zabihullah Mujahid, a spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate, confirmed this decree to TOLO News and added that, from now on, for the proper use and safety of weapons, any use or distribution of arms and ammunition will only occur with the leader’s direct order.

According to him, this measure is intended to ensure better protection of weaponry so that arms and other military assets are not used in situations where they aren’t needed and to enhance the overall security of these weapons.

A spokesperson for the Interior Ministry, Abdul Mateen Qani, also elaborated on the directive, stating that henceforth, all arms and equipment stored in depots will only be distributed by the order of the leader of the Islamic Emirate.

He further noted that another directive from the leader of the Islamic Emirate requires that firearms licenses for civilian organizations, merchants, money exchangers, and citizens will now be issued exclusively by the Interior Ministry. 

Zalmai Afghan Yar, a military affairs expert, reportedly described the directive to remove the authority over the distribution of weapons from the Ministries of Interior, Defense, and the Directorate of Intelligence as a positive step, saying: “There have always been individuals in power who misuse weapons for personal gain.”