Taliban Governor in Takhar Under Pressure Following Critical Reports.
Following a series of critical reports exposing administrative corruption, abuse of authority, and shortcomings in security and judicial institutions in Takhar province including a highly publicized case involving the abuse of a teenage girl at Taloqan Hospital local officials have come under significant public pressure.
In response, Samiullah Hizbullah, the governor of Takhar, acknowledged weaknesses in the field of information dissemination during a meeting with the provincial head of Information and Culture and ordered local and district offices to increase media and publicity activities. Instructions included creating Facebook accounts for all offices and reporting daily on activities.
Following these directives, the Information and Culture Department, in coordination with local media outlets, expanded government publications. Recent reports have covered the arrest of individuals suspected of theft, as well as the work of police and other departments.
However, some Taloqan residents said that real communication between the public and Taliban offices is limited, and mosque gatherings mainly serve to display loyalty.
They also noted that some local YouTubers produce reports for officials in exchange for payments. Despite increased government media activity, residents continue to complain about widespread corruption, bribery, administrative disorder, and lack of access to authorities.
Fear of arrest and harsh treatment prevents people from freely expressing their concerns, and citizen input has no role in administrative decision-making under the Taliban.
