The Transparency International UK’s Defense and Security Program’s study rated Afghanistan top at risk of corruption in defense and security sector. The country was placed in Band E, the second last Band in a series, which reflects very high risk of corruption in defense and security. The study found that the defense and security are prey to several serious problems like widespread petty bribery, corruption problems in recruitment and promotions and lack of transparency.

The director of the institution, Mark Pyman, depicted the future dubious, saying: “As responsibility for defense purchases spending shifts from the ISAF coalition to the Ministry of Defense, Afghan MOD spending will increase hugely; this will put much greater stress on their procurement system, with many more corruption opportunities”. “Corruption in the Afghan defense has devastating effects in the context of transition. It erodes the confidence of the Afghan citizens and political circles about the ability of the Afghan security forces to ensure future security of the country. In addition, waste in Afghan defence can potentially take away the resources from development and poverty reduction programs,” says Yama Torabi, Executive Director of Integrity Watch Afghanistan.

Indeed, the corruption is widespread in the country. Putting the issue with civilians, all are in consensus that major part of government inefficiency lies in corruption. Those who are searching for employment in the public office, their step is to search for someone who works in the department or knows someone there. The chances are assessed on the account of closeness of relation with public employees and the importance of the positions they hold, not on account of academic and career merits. In other words, no matter how experienced and well-qualified you are, there is need of earlier arrangement.

Individuals who have no one to refer them mostly decide not to apply because many think that the positions were already filled but announced to pretend formality. Anyhow, the report expresses worry about the future when the responsibility of logistic procurement transfers to Afghans. Meanwhile, Afghans officials frequently pointed finger towards foreign allies for major part of corruption in the country. They hope that when foreign donations are spent through government channels, the level of corruption will diminish. However, the profile of government does not show sign of success in combating corruption, but let’s see whether the government fights corruption seriously and brings down the country to lower Band?