The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan’s (IEA) Ministry of Interior announced Wednesday it would distribute new police uniforms to 20,000 officers in Kabul and Kandahar provinces, and that the remaining police departments around the country would receive their new uniforms in the near future. 

The new police uniform is dark blue, instead of the grey-blue uniform worn by police under the old government. Also, the Republic’s tri-color flag has been replaced by the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) flag. 

Addressing a press conference in Kabul on Wednesday, the interior ministry’s spokesman Nafi Takor said: “This uniform is considered for the security forces. So far, 20,000 uniforms are provided, which will first be distributed in Kabul and Kandahar provinces and then this process will continue throughout the country.” 

Takor said the uniforms had been supplied by a local contractor and that 100,000 more would be delivered in the near future. 

Mawlavi Noor Jalal Jalali, acting deputy interior minister, said a police force with new uniforms had been a top priority since the IEA came into power. 

He said so far, about 50,000 police personnel have undergone short training courses and 400 officers have graduated from a more intense course.

Mawlawi Zainullah Aber, chief of staff of the interior ministry, said the IEA is putting all its efforts into providing security for the people.

“We committed to providing security for the people, and we try our best to bring happiness for the people,” he said.

The IEA has not yet however finalized the design of the new military uniforms nor those for the intelligence security forces. 

According to Reuters, Takor said the new force retained some personnel but had largely inducted IEA fighters.