From Republic to Taliban: Corruption Has Changed Form.
From the era of the Republic to Taliban rule, corruption has not disappeared—it has merely changed its form and actors.
During the Republic, corruption was largely administrative and contractual, serving the personal or group interests of officials.
Under the Taliban, the nature of corruption remains, but its distribution method has shifted: high salaries and privileges are allocated to relatives, clans, and loyal associates rather than through transparent or accountable processes.
For instance, Shahabuddin Dalawar, head of the Taliban Red Crescent, appointed his son as a personal bodyguard, receiving salaries from international aid sources including Red Crescent Qatar and Turkey, and the Red Cross in Norway and Denmark.
Meanwhile, ordinary government employees, including teachers and doctors, face low pay and limited resources, while local governors and clerics loyal to the leadership receive significant benefits.
Critics argue that this structural corruption undermines social justice and public trust, demonstrating that nepotism and elite privileges have replaced transparency and accountability.
