Graft, land-grab incidents rampant in Helmand

LASHKARGAH (PAN): The deputy governor has acknowledged most departments were involved in administrative corruption in southern Helmand province, where land-grab incidents went unchecked.

Ahmad Massoud Bakhtawar told Pajhwok Afghan News corruption was opened committed in provincial departments, with all efforts failing to curb the menace.

He said a number of officials had been arrested after allegations of accepting bribes, but it did not help in doing away with corrupt practices.

He said most government institutions had been asked to cooperate with the authorities concerned in exposing graft-tainted officials, but there had been no cooperation on their part.

Bakhtwar also said common people had been time and again requested to report to the governor’s office if they were forced into paying bribes in connection with an official work.

Residents said they have lost faith in government departments due to the brazen corruption.

Resident Haji Matiullah said graft in government departments and land-grab incidents could not be curbed because high ups sitting in Kabul and the provincial capital were involved in the business.

A Lashkargah resident, Habib Khan, said corruption and bribes were no longer a shameful act in government departments.

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