MAZAR-E SHARIF: Taliban transport extortion has worn down drivers and companies in Afghanistan’s Balkh province, where sources alleged systematic bribery at transport offices and vehicle stations.
Officials and Taliban-linked representatives pressured drivers, trade-union representatives and transport companies seeking paperwork at the Road Transport Regulation Directorate.
They said vehicle stations had been divided among Taliban representatives, who allegedly issued departure clearances for money outside the official commission process.
Drivers who complained to local Taliban officials received no action and faced threats.
At the Shibirghan-Maimana station alleged that taxis were loaded out of turn from Mazar-e Sharif after drivers paid 300 to 500 Afghanis per vehicle.
They said the money was divided among Taliban officials at the end of the day, and no receipts were issued.
Sources also accused an official identified as Mullah Fayaz of taking commissions from heavy cargo vehicles along the Shulgara belt.
Another individual, identified as Raees Hakimi, allegedly pushed 25 to 30 vehicles through daily outside commission rulings and took 1,000 to 1,500 Afghanis from each driver.
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150 to 200 vehicles were also cleared daily through the designated Taliban transport commission.
Transparency International earlier ranked Afghanistan 169th out of 182 countries in the 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index, with a score of 16 out of 100.
