KABUL - A number of MPs and residents of Kabul have complained about what they call an increase in the numbers of armed citizens, criticizing the Ministry of Interior Affairs (MoI) for issuing arms licenses to ordinary people.

They have linked the high crime rate to the wide presence of armed civilians and illegal armed groups across the country, especially in Kabul.

"Most of the crimes are done by those who have obtained arms license from the interior ministry," MP Abbas Ibrahimzada said. "A number of MPs have also received licenses from the interior ministry which is a big matter of concern."

Expressing deep concerns over the extensive movement of illegal armed groups in the capital city, the inhabitants of Kabul called on the interior ministry to stop the process of issuing gun licenses to irresponsible people.

"When we see these people in unofficial dresses holding guns, it scares us and creates more panic in society," a resident of Kabul Ahmad Fawad complained.

However, the interior minister while presenting his 100-day plan to Parliament on Saturday admitted the problem but blamed it on the previous government.

Promising to strictly monitor the process, Minister Noorolhaq Olomi blamed corruption in the previous government for the high number of licenses. .

According to the minister, in the past about $10,000 dollars was paid to the ministry for obtaining a gun license.

"We had such a problem in the past. Even one licensed gun was being issued for $10,000. But now we have stopped it and also dismissed several officials of that department," Olomi said.

An increased wave of targeted killings and armed robberies in the capital Kabul is also linked to easy availability of guns and licenses.

Most recently, a hotel owner and an NDS official were mysteriously killed by unidentified gunmen in Kabul, causing huge panic in the city. (Tolonews)