Afghans Pay $ 3 Billion in Bribes Annually

The total cost of corruption in Afghanistan has increased 1 billion dollars compared to the last year, according to a new research by Integrity Watch Afghanistan.

The research says Afghan people pay three billion dollars in bribes each year.

Judicial institutions have been considered the most corrupted institutions in the research which 70 percent of bribery exchanges in these institutions.

“Afghans pay $ 3 billion in bribes annually which shows one billion increase compared to the last year,” said Sayeed Akram Afzali, chairman of Integrity Watch Afghanistan.

After insecurity and unemployment, corruption is one of the big troubles of the Afghan government. The unprecedented corruption in the National Unity Government has raised concerns of donor countries.

“Corruption has effected on lives of people, Afghans are angry and want to see a change,” said Dominic Germy, Britain Ambassador to Afghanistan.

Corruption as a destructive phenomenon in the society even encourages rebel groups.

“Corruption is a serious challenge in Afghanistan, the top officials who involve in corruption should be punished,” said Gorge Cunningham, deputy of European Union in Afghanistan.

However, the government stresses on serious fighting against this phenomenon.

“There are corruption in government institutions but we seriously fight against it,” said Shah Hussain Murtazawi, President’s deputy spokesman.

According to Integrity Watch Afghanistan, corruption has questioned the legitimacy of the government and causes the deteriorating of security and economic situation.

Reported by Ahmad Farshad Saleh