Corruption: Threat to Stability, Development, and Public Trust in Afghanistan
DID Press: Afghanistan’s experience over the past 2 decades shows that when corruption becomes systemic, no government institution can perform its duties effectively, and public trust erodes rapidly.
Corruption, defined as the abuse of power for personal or group gain, can undermine the foundations of governance, the economy, and society. It includes bribery, misuse of public resources, the buying and selling of justice, and violation of laws. In Afghanistan, corruption is considered a strategic threat to development, stability, and public confidence.
Systemic corruption slows economic growth and discourages both domestic and foreign investment. Public resources are wasted, and development projects are either poorly executed or halted entirely. Socially, corruption reduces the quality of health and education services and exacerbates poverty and inequality. Politically, it erodes government legitimacy and undermines citizen trust.
In Afghanistan, public-sector corruption contributed to a perception of the state as predatory, fostering alienation and resentment among citizens—a dynamic that facilitated the collapse of the republic and the Taliban’s return to power.
While corruption is a global issue, it is particularly severe in conflict-affected and developing countries. The Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) measures the level of corruption on a scale from 0 to 100, with lower scores indicating higher corruption. In 2024, Afghanistan scored 17 out of 100, ranking 165th out of 180 countries globally.
By comparison, neighboring countries such as Pakistan and Tajikistan, scoring between 25 and 33, have improved governance through stronger oversight and administrative transparency. Developed nations, including Denmark and Japan, score above 80, demonstrating that accountability and transparency are foundational to sustainable development and public trust. Without structural reforms, Afghanistan risks perpetuating a cycle of corruption that threatens political and economic stability.
Systemic corruption was a key factor in the collapse of the republic in 1400 (2021), as citizens perceived the government as untrustworthy. Analysts say the current Taliban administration must take structural measures to prevent a repeat of history.
Proposed measures include leveraging technology and e-governance to reduce direct interaction between citizens and potentially corrupt officials, increasing transparency, and fostering a culture of anti-corruption through education for younger generations. Strengthening accountable institutions, civil oversight, learning from successful international models, and international cooperation are also seen as critical.
Ultimately, corruption remains a serious threat in Afghanistan, with visible impacts on governance, development, and public confidence. Analysts suggest that if the Taliban government acknowledges this reality and implements meaningful reforms to create accountable and transparent institutions, it could restore both domestic and international trust.
Fighting corruption is not only a national necessity but also a foundation for economic growth, social justice, and political stability. A comprehensive approach combining national reforms, technological transparency, civic education, media support, and international collaboration could help break the cycle of corruption and state collapse in Afghanistan.
By Zahra Hussaini – DID Press Agency