Taliban Expands Consular Services to District Level

DID Press: Afghanistan’s Taliban-run Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced the launch of document authentication services in 10 districts, as part of an effort to expand consular services, improve public access, and reduce congestion at provincial and central offices.

According to the ministry, the initiative aims to make document authentication more accessible by allowing citizens to complete the process closer to their homes rather than traveling to provincial capitals.

The first phase covers Surobi and Qarabagh districts in Kabul, Shindand in Herat, Spin Boldak in Kandahar, Hairatan in Balkh, Momand Dara (Torkham) in Nangarhar, Gereshk in Helmand, Imam Sahib in Kunduz, Jaghori in Ghazni, and Samkani in Paktia.

The ministry said applicants will be able to submit and receive authenticated documents through the Asan Khedmat service platform after completing the required procedures.

Taliban officials described the initiative as part of a broader effort to digitalize and decentralize consular services, with plans to extend the program to additional districts in future phases.

The move comes after years of complaints from citizens in several provinces over long travel distances, overcrowded offices, and lengthy document authentication procedures. Authorities say the new system is intended to reduce pressure on central offices while improving the speed and accessibility of consular services.