As the solar year 1403 came to an end, the Islamic Emirate faced serious challenges in both domestic and foreign policy. The fate of the constitution and the formation of a permanent cabinet remain uncertain, and efforts to gain international recognition also did not yield results.

Despite these challenges, the Islamic Emirate established good relations with some countries.

Recognition of the caretaker government as a fundamental issue was not achieved this year either. While the leader of the Islamic Emirate issued new decrees in various sectors, the international community continued to emphasize its conditions for normalizing relations with the caretaker government. These conditions included respect for human rights, especially the rights of women and girls, the formation of an inclusive government, the initiation of national dialogue, and the fight against terrorism and drug trafficking.

Officials of the Islamic Emirate have repeatedly stated that direct interactions with various countries signify recognition.

Mawlawi Abdul Kabir, who served as the deputy prime minister for political affairs at the time, said on Sawr 18, 1403 (May 7, 2024): "The Islamic Emirate was invited to the conference of Islamic countries, and its representatives were present there. So, what does recognition mean?"

However, the world still insists on fundamental changes in the Islamic Emirate’s policies.

Roza Otunbayeva, head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, said on Hoot 20, 1403 (March 10, 2025): "It is the responsibility of the ruling authorities to show whether they want Afghanistan to reintegrate into the international system or not. If so, are they willing to take the necessary steps? So far, the ruling authorities have selectively adhered to Afghanistan’s international commitments, rejecting some under the pretext of national sovereignty or violation of their traditions."

Vasily Nebenzia, Russia’s permanent representative to the UN, said about Afghanistan this year: "Among other requirements, the formation of a truly inclusive government with the participation of all ethnic and political groups in the country remains crucial. We still expect to see positive developments in both directions."

In response to the world’s conditions, the caretaker government has emphasized that such demands are interference in Afghanistan’s internal affairs. The government has repeatedly called on world nations to lift sanctions against more than 24 Islamic Emirate officials and release Afghanistan’s frozen assets.

Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate, said on Saratan 15, 1403 (July 5, 2024), regarding the world’s demands: "The issue of an inclusive government is an Afghan matter. Afghanistan will decide based on its national interests in every field. Regional and distant countries should discuss how to regulate their relations with Afghanistan and how we can create a cooperative environment at the regional level."

Domestic Politics: Uncertainty Over the Constitution

Domestically, the drafting of a constitution remains uncertain.

Abdul Karim Haidar, the professional deputy of the ministry of justice of the Islamic Emirate, announced this year that no decree regarding the constitution had been received from the leader of the Islamic Emirate.

On Asad 14, 1403 (September 4, 2024), he stated: “The constitution is not an ordinary issue for the Ministry of Justice. It requires a decree from the Amir-ul-Mu’minin. So far, the Ministry of Justice has been engaged in secondary laws, and nothing has been said to us about the constitution."

However, the Ministry of Justice announced the enactment of seven laws in 1403, including:

The Law on Duties and Authorities of the Oversight and Prosecution of Decrees and Orders,
The Law on Prevention of Land Grabbing and Reclamation of Grabbed Lands,
The Law on Complaints Hearing,
The Law on Collection of Beggars and Prevention of Begging,
The Law on Money Exchangers and Financial Services,
The Law on Industrial Zones, and
The Law on Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice.
The last law, consisting of four chapters and 35 articles, was enacted on Sunbula 1st, 1403 (August 22, 2024) and sparked widespread reactions, as it regulates issues such as women’s hijab, men’s dress code, media operations, and the conduct of officials of the Ministry of Vice and Virtue.

Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, said on Sunbula 2, 1403 (August 23, 2024) regarding this law: "Beyond condemning — in such decisions, it is hard to imagine any country moving forward, developing, improving its situation with such orders in place."

International Response and Arrest Warrants
Following this, some countries referred Afghanistan’s human rights case to the International Criminal Court.

On Dawla 4, 1403 (January 23, 2025), Karim Khan, the court’s prosecutor, issued arrest warrants for Sheikh Hibatullah Akhundzada, the leader of the Islamic Emirate, and Abdul Hakim Haqqani, the Chief Justice of the Islamic Emirate.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate strongly condemned the decision, calling it unjust, biased, and politically motivated.

Zia Ahmad Takal, head of public relations at the ministry of foreign affairs, said on Dawla 5, 1403 (January 24, 2025): "Like many of this court’s rulings, this request is also unjust, biased, and a political matter. The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan strongly rejects and condemns these baseless accusations."

Decrees Issued in 1403
The leader of the Islamic Emirate issued several decrees this year, including:

A decree on the distribution of weapons and other military equipment,
A decree on preventing human trafficking,
A decree on reviewing the judicial rulings of the previous government regarding members of the Islamic Emirate,
a decree on eliminating harmful traditions in the country, and
a decree on the establishment of a special court for the payment of pensions.
The decree on the establishment of a special court for pension payments was widely welcomed by retirees. However, despite months passing since the decree’s issuance, pensions have not yet been paid.

Finally, the caretaker cabinet continued its work this year, but it remains to be seen what plans the Islamic Emirate has in the coming solar year regarding the formation of a permanent cabinet and other governance matters.