RASC News Agency: Reports from Parwan province on December 2nd indicate that the brother-in-law of the Taliban’s passport department head in the province has been detained by the group’s intelligence forces. Shah Mahsoom, identified as the individual in question, faces charges related to illicit brokerage activities and accepting a $200 bribe. Notably, he operated within the passport department, where he was notorious for extorting money from individuals in pursuit of passport services.
Despite the apprehension, the Taliban has refrained from issuing an official statement on the matter. It is worth noting that instances of corruption and bribery involving Taliban members have been reported in various provinces throughout the country. This development arises amidst growing difficulties for Afghanistani citizens in obtaining passports under Taliban governance. The group’s stringent policies have led to a notable surge in applications, exacerbating an already challenging situation.
Moreover, antecedent to this incident, reports surfaced indicating individuals securing passports through financial favors. Specific officials within the passport department faced accusations of soliciting money from applicants to expedite the passport issuance process. It is crucial to underscore that since the Taliban assumed control, they have imposed rigorous regulations on the social aspects of Afghanistani citizens, particularly impacting the youth and women. Consequently, a substantial number of Afghanistani citizens have opted to leave the country, seeking refuge in neighboring nations and beyond.
In this context, the challenges associated with passport acquisition underscore broader issues related to governance and social dynamics under the current Taliban administration.
