District chief slot allegedly offered for $20,000

LASHKARGAH (Pajhwok): A former National Directorate of Security (NDS) chief for southern Helmand province on Sunday alleged the central government was promoting corruption.

Maj. Gen. Muhammad Naeem Momin said the oath-taking ceremony for the new NDS chief that provincial departments had good coordination but the central authorities were creating hurdles and promoting corruption.

“The governor and I have suggested the appointment of a district chief but the authorities in Kabul asked for $20, 000 in bribe,” the outgoing spy chief claimed.

Maj. Gen. Assadullah Sherzada, provincial commander of the Special Forces, aired similar reservations, warning that bad governance and corruption would widen the gap between the state and the masses.

Brig. Gen. Muhammad Naeem, the governor, assured new spy chief Gen. Ahmadullah Nazak of his full support. All administrative issues would be tackled in coordination and liaison, he pledged.

sks/rm/mud

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