Chapter I The State
Article 1 [Islamic Republic]
Afghanistan is an Islamic Republic, independent, unitary and indivisible state.
Article 2 [Religions]
(1) The religion of the state of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan is the sacred religion of IslamState_Religion.
(2) Followers of other religions are free to exercise their faith and perform their religious rites within the limits of the provisions of law.
Article 3 [Law and Religion]
In Afghanistan, no law can be contrary to the beliefs and provisions of the sacred religion of Islam.
Article 4 [Sovereignty, Ethnic Groups, Citizenship]
(1) National sovereignty in Afghanistan belongs to the nation that exercises it directly or through its representatives.
(2) The nation of Afghanistan consists of all individuals who are the citizen of Afghanistan.
(3) The nation of Afghanistan is comprised of the following ethnic groups: Pashtun, Tajik, Hazara, Uzbak, Turkman, Baluch, Pashai, Nuristani, Aymaq, Arab, Qirghiz, Qizilbash, Gujur, Brahwui and others.
(4) The word Afghan applies to every citizen of Afghanistan.
(5) No member of the nation can be deprived of his citizenship of Afghanistan.
(6) Affairs related to the citizenship and asylum are regulated by law.
Article 5 [Territorial Integrity]
Implementation of the provisions of this constitution and other laws, defending independence, national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and ensuring the security and defense capability of the country, are the basic duties of the state.
Article 6 [Purposes]
The state is obliged to create a prosperous and progressive society based on social justice, protection of human dignity, protection of human rights, realization of democracy, and to ensure national unity and equality among all ethnic groups and tribes and to provide for balanced development in all areas of the country.
Article 7 [International Law]
(1) The state shall abide by the UN charter, international treaties, international conventions that Afghanistan has signed, and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
(2) The state prevents all types of terrorist activities, production and consumption of intoxicants (muskirat), production and smuggling of narcotics.
Article 8 [State Policy]
The state regulates the policy of the country on the basis of preserving the independence, national interests, territorial integrity, non-aggression, good neighborliness, mutual respect, and equal rights.
Article 9 [Natural Resources]
(1) Mines, underground resources are properties of the state.
(2) Protection, use, management, and mode of utilization of the public properties shall be regulated by law.
Article 10 [Private Investments]
The State encourages and protects private capital investments and enterprises based on the market economy and guarantees their protection in accordance with the provisions of law.
Article 11 [Trade]
Affairs related to the domestic and external trade shall be regulated by law in accordance with the needs of the national economy and public interests.
Article 12 [Bank]
(1) Da Afghanistan Bank is the central and independent bank of the state.
(2) Issuance of currency, and formulation and implementation of monetary policy of the country are the mandates of the central bank in accordance with law.
(3) The central bank shall consult with the economic committee of the House of Representatives [Wolesi Jirga] in matters related to the printing of money.
(4) Structure and operation of this bank shall be regulated by law.
Article 13 [Economy]
The state shall formulate and implement effective programs for development of industries, growth of production, increasing of public living standards, and support to craftsmanship.
Article 14 [Farming, Housing]
(1) The state shall design and implement within its financial resources effective programs for development of agriculture and animal husbandry, improving the economic, social and living conditions of farmers, herders, settlement and living conditions of nomads.
(2) The state adopts necessary measures for housing and distribution of public estates to deserving citizens in accordance within its financial resources and the law.
Article 15 [Environment]
The state is obliged to adopt necessary measures for safeguarding forests and the environment.
Article 16 [Languages]
(1) From among the languages of Pashtu, Dari, Uzbeki, Turkmani, Baluchi, Pashai, Nuristani, Pamiri (alsana), Arab and other languages spoken in the country, Pashtu and Dari are the official languages of the state.
(2) The Turkic languages (Uzbaki and Turkmen), Baluchi, Pashai, Nuristani and Pamiri (alsana) are — in addition to Pashto and Dari — the third official language in areas where the majority speaks them. The practical modalities for implementation of this provision shall be specified by law.
(3) The state adopts and implements effective plans for strengthening, and developing all languages of Afghanistan.
(4) Publications and radio and television broadcasting are allowed in all languages spoken in the country.
Article 17 [Education]
The state shall adopt necessary measures for promotion of education in all levels, development of religious education, organizing and improving the conditions of mosques, madrasas and religious centers.
Article 18 [Calendar]
(1) The calendar of the country shall be based on the flight of the Prophet (PBUH).
(2) The basis of work for state offices is the solar calendar.
(3) Fridays and the 28 Asad and the 8 Sawr are public holidays. Other holidays shall be regulated by law.
Article 19 [Flag, Insignia, Emblem]
(1) The Afghan flag is made up of three equal parts, with black, red and green colors juxtaposed from left to right perpendicularly.
(2) The width of every colored piece is equal to half of its length. The national insignia is located in the center of the flag.
(3) The national insignia of the state of Afghanistan is composed of Mehrab and pulpit in white color.
(4) Two flags are located on its two sides. In the upper-middle part of the insignia the sacred phrase of “There is no God but Allah and Mohammad is his prophet, and Allah is Great” is placed, along with a rising sun. The word “Afghanistan” and year 1298 (solar calendar) is located in the lower part of the insignia. The insignia is encircled with two branches of wheat.
(5) The law shall regulate the use of national flag and emblem.
Article 20 [Anthem]
The National Anthem of Afghanistan shall be in Pashtu and mention “Allahu Akbar” and the names of the ethnic groups of Afghanistan.
Article 21 [Capital]
The capital of Afghanistan is the city of Kabul.