KABUL (SW): Findings by Salam Watandar indicate there are several ghost policemen drawing salaries in Takhar province.
Though, the exact number of ghost policemen is not known, but the investigation committee of the directorate of Afghan National Police (ANP) in the province has only acknowledged presence of five ghost policemen.
Mohammad Raheem Raziqi, former head of ANP recruitments in the province, has informed there are at least 18 ghost policemen drawing salaries for services of security to members of the parliament and other officials without existing.
A well-placed source has informed an overwhelming majority of the ghost policemen are enlisted in the Afghan Local Police (ALP) ranks. The source informed strongmen and influential figures are preventing officials from reforming the ALP in Takhar.
Earlier this year, a letter by the National Security Advisor directed all relevant institutions that private services by security personnel is not acceptable, but documents obtained by Salam Watandar indicate there are still at least 146 policemen serving as private guards.
The former head of ANP recruitments in the province has informed that these police guards are under the influence of the provincial governor, member of the provincial council and former Jehadi figures.
Meanwhile, Nizamuudin Ghori, the interim head of the directorate of police in Takhar, has stressed there is no illegal activity going on in this regard, and only due to the serious security threat some policemen are serving as private guards for officials and Jehadi figures.
These policemen serving as private guards poses 20 Rangers vehicles, heavy and automatic arms.
The Ministry of Interior has directed police in Takhar to take back all these resources from these people within 40 days.
ENDS
