FAIZABAD (Pajhwok): President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani’s advisor in north zone on Tuesday assured residents of this northeastern Badakhshan province that corrupt officials would be sacked and the unity government was adopting all measures to fight graft.

Wais Ahmad Barmak, who traveled to Badakhshan as head of a 6-member delegation, told local officials that corruption had tarnished government’s image. He had been tasked to evaluate performance of officials and government agencies.

He said the government had plans to reform all departments including the security organs. “If any official that is involved in corruption and malpractices will be fired and introduced to judicial organs,” he warned.

Stern action, he went on to say would be taken against land grabbers. He would stay in the province for two more days to hold meetings with provincial council members, Ulama council, activists and elders to discuss development, security and corruption. He would present the president with a detailed report.

Acting Governor Shah Wali Adeeb, said 18 out of 28 districts had no proper buildings for government’s departments.

He informed that 70 percent of Badakhshan residents lived below poverty line and educated youth had no employment opportunities.

Gul Mohammad Bedar, deputy governor, told Pajhwok Afghan News there was lack of coordination among security organs and they did not have much authority on affairs.

“If we have at least 50 percent authority in the province, then we can bring security in two weeks,” he added.

Gen. Hisamuddin, deputy head of National Directorate of Security (NDS), Eng. Ahmad Shah, deputy minister of public works and officials from ministry of defence, attorney general’s office, and directorate of local governance are part of the delegation.

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