DAB calls for bank accounts of ex-officials to be frozen

Da Afghanistan Bank, the central bank of Afghanistan, has called on private banks to freeze accounts belonging to former government officials.

According to a letter sent to the banks, accounts held by former ministers, deputies, provincial governors, members of parliament and all other high-ranking officials will be frozen.

The Islamic Emirate’s move has been welcomed by Afghan citizens and a number of economists.

Praising the move, Afghan economic experts stated that some of the former government officials were corrupt and stated that embezzled Afghan assets should be transferred to the national treasury.

The development comes a day after the Islamic Emirate announced a new caretaker government.

Addressing a press conference in Kabul on Tuesday, Islamic Emirate spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid made the announcement and said the new acting prime minister will be Mullah Hassan Akhund.

Foreign countries, however, greeted the makeup of the new government in Afghanistan with caution and dismay on Wednesday after the Islamic Emirate appointed hardline veteran figures to an all-male cabinet, including one with a U.S. bounty on his head.