Line ministries, the heart of the Afghan government, are the very center of various forms of corruption including nepotism and cronyism and are under direct influence of political circles. While employees of these ministries process applications of individuals affiliated with certain high government authorities, parliamentarians and political figures with a great promptness, the common Afghans have to pay handsome amounts in bribe to get their works done.

Corruption which was not quite common during pro-communist governments, today it has turned into a culture in the country that is led by democratically elected government. Disappointingly, the present administration has always come up with unrealistic solutions to curb rampant corruption.

Over the past 12 years, a large number of reports have been published on the growing corruption in government entities. In 2013 index of Transparency International, Afghanistan, like many other years, fell in the list of the most corrupt countries of the world. In other countries such reports do much to awaken the government. Nonetheless, there has been no effect on the Afghan government. It has turned blind eye to the evil corruption despite foreign and domestic pressures.

Yet, a recent investigation by Independent Joint Anti-Corruption Monitoring and Evaluation Committee (MEC) has found massive graft in three key ministries of Afghanistan namely ministry of the refugee and repatriation, ministry of higher education and ministry labor and social affairs. Quoting an example, MEC Chairman Drago Kos said those seeking retirement had to take signatures from 60 employees of the ministry of labor and social affairs. The applicants are compelled to pay AFN 100 to 500 in bribe for each signature. This revelation seems so alarming but the people know such trends continue since long in government ministries. Although MEC’s report is confined only to the above mentioned three ministries, condition might be worse in other line ministries and independent directorates of the Afghan government.

Majority of the officials at all management levels act dishonestly against their duties and responsibilities and they resist any positive undertaking aimed at eliminating corruption. The anti-corruption bodies formed by the government are all toothless and have no major achievement against the crooked officials who are looting the public for services against which they are already paid in the forms salaries and allowances. In general, the prevailing situation is due to the unwillingness of the government and it will not alter unless the government takes strict measures.