Afghanistan publishes regulations governing Ulema Council

Afghanistan’s Ministry of Justice has announced the publication of new regulations governing the Afghanistan Ulema Council in the country’s official gazette.

According to the ministry, the regulations were drafted and issued by the leader of the Islamic Emirate and set out the structure, powers, responsibilities and duties of the council within the country’s Islamic system.

The document comprises a preamble, two chapters, two sections and 22 articles.

Under the regulations, provincial and district Ulema councils will consist of a chairman, deputy chairman, administrative officer and financial officer, with additional members appointed according to need.

Council members must be Islamic scholars or respected community figures regarded as righteous, religious and trustworthy, and must have sufficient knowledge of Islamic jurisprudence and social affairs.

The regulations assign the councils a range of responsibilities, including defending and protecting the Islamic Emirate, promoting public awareness of the importance of the Islamic system and strengthening public support for it.

The councils are also tasked with helping improve the conduct and activities of government officials, strengthening trust between authorities and the public, raising awareness among young people and cooperating with government institutions.

The Ministry of Justice said the regulations have now been formally published in the official gazette.