Drivers at Sher Khan port say they’re forced to pay bribes

KUNDUZ CITY (Pajhwok): Drives of commercial goods carrying vehicles allege customs employees take money from them illegally at the Sher Khan Port in northern Kunduz province.

A driver of Tajikistan at Sher Khan Port, Alam, told Pajhwok Afghan News that security officials and customs employees took money from them illegally.

“When we enter Afghanistan, these officials take $100 from us illegally and the practice has a negative impact on the prices of goods,” he said.

Omaid, another driver from Tajikistan, said he had shared the issue with officials concerned, but to no avail. “We travel only one kilometer inside Afghanistan, for which we should pay $100 in bribe.”

Noor Mohammad, an Afghan driver, also complained customs employees at the port sought bribes from them. “When we enter the port, they take 500 afghanis in bribe from us, I wonder there is no one to control them.”

 A number of other drivers held similar views and complaints.

Massoud Wahdat, representative of the Kunduz chamber of commerce, also acknowledged the issue.

“Unfortunately, taking money from drivers illegally affects drivers, businesses and people and this should be curbed,” he said.

On the other hand, the customs department head at Sher Khan Port refused to comment on the issue.

Shamroz Khan Masjidi, spokesman for the Ministry of Finance, told Pajhwok that no one reserved the right to take money illegally from drivers.

He said they investigate the issue at the port and those involved in corruption would be brought to justice.

sa/ma

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