Afghanistan Times
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Countries in the post-conflict era or in the transitional decade make progress. Energies and resources are focused on development and only development. Unfortunately, we are taking two steps backward after one step forward. Law and order situation is fragile. Anti-polio campaigns are not producing the desired results because 34,000 children were deprived of the vaccination in Nangarhar province alone. Last year 62,000 children were left unvaccinated in the eastern province. Health and education sectors are struck by insecurity and inattention. Investors are fleeing the country. Local industries are fighting for survival. In diplomacy, we are unable to compete with the neighbors.
When all these failures are combined then it becomes Afghan diaspora. Accept or deny but the fact is that the journey we have started after fall of the Taliban regime is now marred by different obstacles. The barriers that hamper development of this country is result of the differences between the NUG leaders and failed government policies. The previous government and public cannot escape the blame as well because they are also part of the problem. However, they started the journey towards prosperity well but now the course is changed by the NUG. Therefore, the current government is more blame-worthy.
Fresh report of the Transparency International on corruption validates the argument that the current government is not doing well despite headed by the world’s renowned intellectual. According to the annual Corruption Perceptions Index for 2015 of the Transparency International, Afghanistan is the third most corrupt country on this planet. The watchdog on Wednesday said that millions of dollars have been wasted and stolen in the war-hit country. There are several reasons that fueled corruption in the country such as greed of the high-ranking officials who are filling their pockets to satiate their greed. Those who are working in the government organizations at low level do not enjoy incentives. Thus, they open the doors to corruption. They do not have sense of service when working in the office because they are encouraged by unhealthy completion and personal greed. That is why in 2014, Afghanistan ranked 172 in the index followed by Sudan, North Korea and Somalia. In 2013, the country ranked 175 followed by North Korea and Somalia. In 2012, Afghanistan ranked 174.
Moreover, there is low awareness at the social level. People do not denounce corrupt behavior and boycott those who are involved in corruption. Harsh but it is reality. Those who are criticized for corruption become our leaders and we follow them on every step. Lack of transparency and accountability are the nucleus. It is also slowing the judicial process.
To resolve the problem, the government shall strictly punish those who are involved in corruption; otherwise we cannot improve our ranking in the index.
