Rising crime in Takhar; residents accuse Taliban authorities of corruption and negligence.
Residents of Takhar province report a surge in theft, insecurity, and criminal activity in Taloqan city and surrounding districts, accusing Taliban local officials of corruption, favoritism, and failure to address criminal cases.
According to locals, while nighttime burglaries, armed robberies, and home invasions have increased, Taliban security authorities are attempting to deflect public attention by broadcasting promotional videos through the provincial TV channel.
Citizens cite several examples of unresolved cases, including the disappearance of a woman named “Sohaila” in the Gulayi Bagh area of Taloqan, missing since 25 August 2024, with no progress.
Her family says that neither the Sixth Police District nor the Criminal Investigation Directorate of Takhar has questioned her husband, Noor Mohammad. Meanwhile, a recently released promotional video shows several people praising police performance — videos that residents describe as “fabricated” and part of Taliban propaganda.
Residents of Taloqan say Taliban members and some urban police districts are involved in armed theft networks, leaving citizens afraid to travel at night or use public transportation due to frequent robberies.
They add that the police act only when cases attract media attention, while many incidents are ignored or suspects are released shortly after paying money.
The lack of transparency and absence of independent media have further concealed administrative corruption and abuse of authority in the province.
