Sher Khan Port traders, drivers being extorted’

KUNDUZ CITY (Pajhwok): Drivers and traders at the Sher Khan Port in northern Kunduz province on Thursday complained customs officials and police took illegal money from them.

Sayed Mujtaba Hashimi, the Sher Khan Port Traders’ Union Head, told Pajhwok Afghan News that security officials and provincial Customs Department employees had recently started extorting traders and drivers.

He said with the replacement of the Customs Department leadership, the illegal extortion problem had become serious. “We want to discuss the issue with Customs Department head.”

Meanwhile, drivers of high-tonnage trucks criticized the illegal extortion, demanding of the government officials to bring about reforms in this regard.

Azimullah, a trailer driver, told Pajhwok: “When we cross the toll collection area, the process of taking illegal money from through forceful methods starts.”

“From customs officials to security check post in-charge — from A to Z — all of them demand money from us unlawfully. The customs officials take 200 afs and security personnel on roads ask for 100 afs.”

Malak Afghani, another driver on the route, said: “Security check posts ask for money illicitly, the issue should be addressed.”

The drivers say if their problem wasn’t resolved, they would take to the streets.

Meanwhile, Lt. Gen. Abdul Hamid Hamidi, Kunduz police chief, said the issue of drivers would be seriously investigated. “If a police member is found guilty of extorting money through illegal means, he would face serious action.”

However, Mahjoob Ayoub, Kunduz Customs acting head, said he had been directed by the ministry not to talk with media outlets.

The problem of extortion exists all over Afghanistan, including Kunduz, and for preventing it, no considerable efforts have been made.

sns/ma

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