KABUL - Several Meshrano Jirga members on Sunday criticized their colleagues and the house secretariat for distributing commendation letters to government officials, instead of trying to enhance their efficiency and motivate them to work devotedly.
"This practice has been a reason why government officials have no concern about the Jirga's decisions," said Abdul Hanan Haqwayun, a lawmaker from southeastern Paktika Province.

"Giving away appreciation letters to corrupt officials further encourage them," he said, but did not name any official.
Another lawmaker, Mohammad Amin Sapi, echoed Haqwayun's remarks, saying such documents should be awarded to officials with good reputation and clean record.

"I know some senators who carry recommendation letters in boxes and distribute them to people they like," claimed the Logar representative, but did not expose anyone.

His claim was supported by Sher Mohammad Akhunzada, a member of parliament from southern Helmand Province. He said some senators carried commendation letters to provinces to be distributed to their "blue-eyed men." This practice was giving a bad name to the legislature and weakening its status among the public, he added.

Another Senator Haji Amanullah Azeemi, said the secretariat should set standards for awarding these certificates. "Two shopkeepers from Uruzgan phoned me and said Mr. Senator if you don't mind please bring us recommendation letters," added the senator.

Deputy Chairman Mohammad Alam Ezedyar, who presided over the session, asked senators not to award recommendation certificates to government officials unless recommended by the house committee of directors.

He said the issue was raised two months after a parliamentary delegation, during a visit to northern Balkh province, distributed appreciation letters to the provincial governor and police commanders.
"The certificate to Balkh governor has been given after it was recommended by 21 lawmakers who also provided (valid) reasons," Ezedyar said. (Pajhwok)