Herat Governor Bars Officials from Attending Events, Receiving Gifts

The governor of Herat has instructed all local officials during a coordination meeting not to attend events or accept gifts.

In addition to local officials, employees from municipal districts, police, and intelligence departments were also present at the meeting.

Sheikh Noor Ahmad Islamjar, the governor of Herat, said: “Bribes are given under various names—Eid gifts, school-related payments, events, clothing, and others. If you can manage with the modest salary provided by the Islamic Emirate, that is good. But if you are engaged in landlordism, patronage, running gardens or factories, then leave your government job and focus on your business.”

This move by the Herat governor has been welcomed by citizens.

Residents are calling for the complete eradication of administrative corruption.

Nejaat-ul-Mal Rasouli, a Herat resident, said: “The governor has made a very good decision. These events and gatherings lead to the spread of bribery and corruption in society.”

Another resident, Shahzad, said: “This is a very good decision because corruption destroys a society and a country. If corruption is completely eliminated, it will greatly benefit our country.”

Preventing officials from attending events and receiving gifts is considered an effective step in combating administrative corruption.

According to some experts, this measure will help systematize government institutions and improve service delivery to the public.

Mohammad Rafiq Shaheer, head of the Herat Council of Specialists, said: “Clear instructions have been given that officials should neither attend events nor accept gifts, nor be involved in any activities that lead to corruption. This directive is very important and valuable for creating a healthy and efficient administration that serves the people.”

Nearly three months ago, the Herat governor had also emphasized serious efforts to combat administrative corruption at a public gathering.

He added that while he does not deny the existence of corruption in some government institutions, he warned that those involved will face serious consequences.