Corruption runs rampant in Afghanistan’s e-Tazkira Identification System

Afghanistan’s digital identification system, the e-Tazkira, initially designed to modernize the country and improve governance, has devolved into a maze of inefficiency, bribery, and exorbitant costs, undermining citizens’ trust in their institutions.

T

he distribution of the National Electronic Identity Cards (e-Tazkira) across Afghanistan was launched on May 3, 2018, by Afghan President Ashraf Ghani. Since the Taliban took power in 2021, over 8.2 million Afghans have received their e-Tazkira (bringing the total to more than 12 million). However, behind these figures lies a grim reality marked by frequent service suspensions, demands for illicit payments, and escalating prices. This situation has not only caused widespread frustration among the population but has also exposed the system’s structural flaws and its vulnerability to corrupt practices. 

Obstacles on the path to digital identity 

One of the main challenges Afghan citizens face when applying for their e-Tazkira is the excessive waiting time to receive their document. Despite completing biometric procedures and submitting all the required documentation, many are forced to wait months, or even years, before obtaining their identification. 

These prolonged delays create a series of difficulties for the population: 

• Difficulty accessing basic services: The lack of a valid identity document prevents citizens from accessing essential services such as healthcare, education, banking, and participation in electoral processes. 

• Mobility limitations: In a country where internal travel is common, not having an e-Tazkira can hinder mobility and lead to legal issues. 

• Vulnerability: The absence of official identification exposes individuals to increased risks of social exclusion and discrimination. 

Bribery: the backdoor to obtaining the e-Tazkira 

To navigate long waiting times and secure their identity documents within a reasonable period, many citizens are compelled to resort to corrupt practices. Bribery has become a widespread method to expedite the process and avoid unnecessary delays. 

The demand for illicit payments to obtain the e-Tazkira has severe consequences: 

• Perpetuation of corruption: The reliance on bribes reinforces corruption networks and undermines public trust in institutions. 

• Inequality: Citizens with greater financial resources are more likely to obtain their identity documents quickly and efficiently, exacerbating social inequalities. 

• Impunity: The absence of effective mechanisms to report and punish corrupt practices encourages their continuation. 

The burden of the e-Tazkira: Rising costs and its impact on the population 

In addition to long waiting times and bribery, another factor intensifies the struggles of Afghan citizens applying for their e-Tazkira: the significant increase in costs since the beginning of the Taliban era. This price hike poses a substantial economic burden on many families, especially in a country suffering from a deep economic crisis. 

The price of e-Tazkira cards has risen from 100 to 500 afghanis. While this amount might seem modest compared to other countries, in a context of high inflation and low income, it represents a significant expense for many Afghan families. 

The rising costs of the e-Tazkira have a direct impact on the lives of Afghan citizens, leading to: 

• Difficulties in accessing basic services: Individuals unable to afford the e-Tazkira face restrictions in accessing education, healthcare, and social assistance. 

• Increased vulnerability: The lack of a valid identification document exposes people to greater risks of exploitation, discrimination, and social exclusion. 

• Distrust in the government: The rising costs of the e-Tazkira may foster distrust in the government and public institutions. 

Inequalities in access to the e-Tazkira in rural areas 

In addition to the challenges already mentioned, there is a significant disparity in access to the e-Tazkira between urban and rural areas of Afghanistan. The lack of distribution centers in many underdeveloped provinces forces numerous citizens to undertake long and costly journeys to major cities, such as Kabul, to obtain their identification documents. 

Geographical distance and the lack of infrastructure in rural areas present significant obstacles for citizens trying to acquire their e-Tazkira. The consequences of this situation are manifold: 

• The long journeys required to access distribution centers impose considerable costs for transportation, accommodation, and food, which represent a significant economic burden for many families, particularly the most vulnerable. 

• These trips can last several days, leading to a loss of time and productivity for citizens, especially for those working in the agricultural sector. 

• Additionally, the condition of the roads, the lack of public transportation, and the insecurity in some areas further complicate access to the distribution centers. 

The e-Tazkira as a tool of control 

The Taliban government has implemented a specific strategy in the distribution of the e-Tazkira, prioritizing border areas, especially those near the disputed Durand Line with Pakistan. This decision, beyond logistical aspects, reveals a clear political intent to strengthen Taliban control and influence in these strategic regions. 

The Durand Line, established by the British in the 19th century, has been a point of dispute between Afghanistan and Pakistan ever since. The border region has traditionally been an area of instability and has served as a haven for various insurgent groups. By prioritizing the distribution of e-Tazkira in these districts, the Taliban government aims to: 

• Strengthening territorial control: By issuing identity documents to residents in these areas, the Taliban consolidates its authority and legitimacy, making it more difficult for insurgent groups and counterintelligence activities to operate. 

• Facilitating surveillance: The e-Tazkira, with its biometric data, allows the Taliban government to maintain a more accurate record of the population in border areas, facilitating surveillance and control of movement. 

• Legitimizing border control: By issuing identity documents to residents in border areas, the Taliban aims to legitimize its control over these regions and strengthen its position in negotiations with Pakistan. 

Political and humanitarian implications 

This strategy of distributing the e-Tazkira has significant political and humanitarian implications: 

• Repercussions on relations with Pakistan: The prioritization of border areas could escalate tensions with Pakistan, which has expressed concern about the presence of Afghan insurgent groups on its territory. 

• Risks for the civilian population: The issuance of identity documents can serve as a dangerous tool for social control, limiting the population’s mobility and exposing them to potential abuse by the Taliban authorities. 

• Regional inequalities: The concentration of efforts in border areas may create inequalities in access to the e-Tazkira in other regions of the country, exacerbating existing tensions. 

The Taliban government’s decision to prioritize the distribution of e-Tazkira in border areas reveals a broader political strategy that goes beyond the simple identification of the population. By strengthening its control in these strategic areas, the Taliban seeks to consolidate its power and legitimize its government. However, this strategy also presents significant challenges in terms of human rights, governance, and international relations. 

Efforts by the NSIA to improve access to Afghan digital identification 

In response to the challenges outlined in the previous sections, the National Statistics and Information Authority (NSIA) has implemented various initiatives to improve access to and distribution of e-Tazkira across Afghanistan. 

One of the main efforts of the NSIA has been the expansion of its network of service centers. Currently, six service centers have been established, four of which are in the capital, Kabul, and two in the provinces of Khost and Kandahar. These centers provide the population with a physical space to apply for and obtain their e-Tazkira, as well as to resolve any doubts or issues related to the process. 

In order to reach more isolated and hard-to-access populations, the NSIA has launched a mobile teams program. These teams travel to different regions of the country, particularly rural and remote areas, to provide registration and e-Tazkira issuance services. This initiative is crucial to reduce the distances citizens must travel and to facilitate access to this document. 

Additionally, the NSIA plans to open new service centers in underdeveloped provinces such as Herat, Balkh, Nangarhar, and Helmand. This decision responds to the need to ensure equitable access to e-Tazkira across all regions of the country and to reduce existing inequalities. 

While these initiatives represent a step forward, it is necessary to assess their long-term impact. Some of the aspects that must be considered include: 

• Response capacity: Do the service centers and mobile teams have the capacity to meet the demand of the population? 

• Efficiency: Are the registration and issuance processes for the e-Tazkira being carried out efficiently and transparently? 

• Accessibility: Are the service centers and mobile teams located in areas that are accessible to the population? 

• Corruption: Can these centers ensure transparency in all processes? 

• Costs: Is the cost of implementing and maintaining these services sustainable in the long term? 

Afghanistan still has a long way to go in establishing a reliable digital identification system. Corruption, inequalities, illiteracy, and political interests hinder ensuring even minimal security.