PUL-I-KHUMRI - Soldiers of the Afghan National Army’s Shaheen Military Corps first battalion in northern Baghlan province say they have not received their salaries for three months and as a result they’re facing economic hardships.
A service-member of the first battalion’s second brigade, on the condition of anonymity, told Pajhwok Afghan News he had not visited home for eight months.
“I want to go home but after receiving my three months salaries because my family will ask for money,” he said.
Another service-member, wishing anonymity, said 300 service members in the battalion had not pocketed their salaries for the past three months.
He said the government should provide soldiers with salaries in-time because everyone came from poor families.
Mohammad Hanif Rezae, spokesman for the Shaheen Military Corps, acknowledged the concern of army personnel regarding the delay in their salaries but said the payments had been delayed due to the introduction of electronic system of salary distribution.
“The delay is not intentional, it is a technical issue. The old system was not effective so a new system is being established to ensure the presence and attendance of service-members,” he said.
It is worth mentioning that these service-members have been stationed in insecure areas of Baghlan province.(Pajhwok)