The Attorney General of Afghanistan Muhammad Ishaq Aloko revealed the names of Ministers and other government officials accused of widespread corruption during their tenure. The Attorney General named two former Transport ministers, former Chief of Afghan National flag carrier named Ariana Airline, and the mayors of Balkh, Nangarhar, and Herat Provinces.

Mr. Aloko in a press conference in Kabul named the accused government officials. He named Inayatullah Qasimi and Hameedullah Qadiri, former Transport Ministers, Nadir Atash (Former-Chief of Ariana Airline) and mayors of Heart, Mazar-e-Sharif and Jalalabad cities.

Mr. Aloko informed the media that currently Mr. Qadiri, Mr. Qasimi, and Mr. Atash are living abroad and they have been pursued through the Interpol. He said, “The cases of Mr. Qadiri and Mr. Qasimi are being assessed, we tried a lot, honestly first of all we would like to recover the money from them and we will asses their punishment later.” The Attorney General added, “Mr. Atash’s file is in my office and we’ve asked the Interpol for his arrest…Mr. Atash has been to the US.”

Mr. Aloko further added that several sitting Ministers, several Aides to the Ministers, a few former and sitting governors and a few high ranking government officials in Kabul and in the provinces have allegedly had a hand in the widespread corruption. He elaborated that for the trial of mayors, chiefs, and Aides to the Ministers there’s no problem at all but for bring the alleged Ministers to the court of law requires the constitution of a special court that has been instructed in the constitution of Afghanistan.

Mr. Aloko informed the media of his recommendation to the Supreme Court and President Hamid Karzai for the constitution of the special court within the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court. As per the Attorney General as soon as the special anti-corruption court is established, the ministers will be nominated for facing the trial. He said, “Reasons for allegations exist, as soon as the courts are constituted, the cases will be sent to them for legal perusal”

Though the list read out by the Attorney General is still far from being complete since it leaves behind numerous bigger corrupt elements in the government, it is a good step in warning those who wish to indulge in the defamed business.