Truckers asked for bribes at security posts

SHARAN (Pajhwok): Cargo truck drivers in southeastern Paktika province the personnel manning security check-posts on highways get illegal money from them and thereby create problems for them

Mashaeer Khan, a trucker plying the Angor Ade-Sharan highway, told Pajhwok Afghan News seven security check-posts existed on the route.

“At each check-post, we are forced into paying backhander to the security personnel. A driver refusing to pay bribes is beaten and his vehicle stopped from proceeding to its destination,” he grumbled.

Bari Khan, another driver who held a similar view, said the issue had been repeatedly shared with the governor’s house and police headquarters. But no corrective action has been taken yet.

Several other drivers also came up with complaints of demand for illegal gratifications. They warned of launching a protest movement if the issue was not resolved.

Pajhwok has received a video of the security personnel at a checkpoint taking money from a driver.

Afsar Khan Sulaimankhel, a member of the provincial council, confirmed the drivers’ problems. He acknowledged the cargo truckers’ union had shared the issue with the provincial council as well.

He said: “At the checkpoints, drivers are made to pay money or give policemen food items. This has been creating problems for them. We have complained to the governor, who has promised taking stern action.”

Police spokesman Shah Mahmood Arian admitted check-posts in some areas would seek bribes from drivers in the past, but punitive action had also been taken against them.

“The police chief for Barmal district had taken money from drivers and the police headquarters received a complaint. As a result, he was fired,” Arian explained.

He asked drivers to expose the check-posts where they were asked for bribes or problems created for them.

sa/mud

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