The Ministry of Urban Development and Housing (MUDH) is a government ministry in Afghanistan responsible for national urban policy, urban planning, housing-related programs, and coordination with municipalities and relevant agencies on city development and master planning.[1]
In June 2025, Mawlavi Najibullah (Hayat) Haqqani was appointed as the minister of urban development and housing, succeeding Hamdullah Nomani (who was moved to another post), according to Afghan media reports.[2][3]
History
The ministry traces its roots to the state’s urban development administration established in the 1960s. The ministry states that the institution evolved through multiple reorganizations and name changes over time, including periods as an urban development directorate and later a full ministry with housing responsibilities.[4]
Merger with land administration (2018)
Under President Ashraf Ghani, Afghanistan’s land administration body (often referred to as the Land Authority/Arazi) was merged into the ministry’s framework and the combined structure operated under the name “Ministry of Urban Development and Land” in the late republic period, according to Afghan and international reporting.[5][6][7]
Mandate and functions
The ministry’s stated responsibilities include developing national urban policies, supporting urban planning and master plans, coordinating housing-related programs, and working with relevant institutions on land use and development planning.[8]
Programs and initiatives
National Urban Conference (2015)
In November 2015, the Afghan government held a National Urban Conference co-hosted by the Ministry of Urban Development Affairs under Minister Sadat Mansoor Naderi, with UN-Habitat reporting on the conference and its policy focus.[9]
Urban National Priority Program (U-NPP) (2016)
UN-Habitat reported that Afghanistan’s Urban National Priority Program reached a milestone in 2016, describing it as part of an effort to guide policy and investment for Afghanistan’s urban transition.[10] A World Bank analysis also discussed the U-NPP as a framework intended to support municipal governance, basic services, and urban economies over a multi-year horizon.[11]
Urban data publications (2015–2016)
UN-Habitat published the State of Afghan Cities 2015 and reported on the 2016 launch of the Atlas of Afghan City Regions 2016, which aimed to provide a data foundation for planning and policy work.[12][13]
Fight against corruption
During the early period of President Ashraf Ghani’s administration, corruption investigations in the Ministry of Urban Development Affairs and Housing led to disciplinary actions and prosecutions.
In May 2015, Khaama Press reported that President Ghani suspended six senior ministry officials over corruption allegations involving large sums connected to urban development and housing projects, naming several officials in the report.[14] Days later, Khaama Press reported that at least three of the suspended officials were “missing” while the Attorney General’s Office investigated, and that authorities believed one official may have fled via the Torkham route.[15]
Pajhwok Afghan News later reported that the ministry case expanded, with officials stating that more ministry staff were investigated and that case files were referred to court.[16][17]
In March 2017, Khaama Press reported that a special tribunal sentenced four former officials linked to the ministry to prison terms and imposed large fines in an embezzlement case; the report stated that two officials received 20-year sentences while two others received seven-year sentences, and that one defendant was tried in absentia.[18]
Separately, TOLOnews discussed the broader context of the urban development ministry corruption case as among the major embezzlement cases of the period.[19]
In May 2017, Minister Sadat Mansoor Naderi said the ministry had created an internal committee for anti-corruption measures and described reforms in administrative processes; these claims were reported by Khaama Press.[20]
Reported projects and revenue
The ministry has periodically reported infrastructure and construction activity across Afghanistan through its official channels.[21]
The Kabul Times reported in 2023 that the ministry collected 530 million Afghanis in housing-sector revenue over one year, describing it as an increase compared with earlier years; the report attributed the statement to the acting minister and deputy ministers at the time.[22]
Former ministers
Yousef Pashtun (2004–2009)
Sultan Hussein (acting; rejected by parliament) (2010–2012)
Hassan Abdulhai (minister; acting in parts of 2012–2014)
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