Taliban’s governance ranked among world’s most corrupt, Transparency International says

KABUL: A new report from Transparency International shows that Afghanistan, under the Taliban, scored just 16 out of 100 on the 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index, placing it 169th out of 182 countries worldwide. This represents a drop of four positions compared to last year and highlights the alarming state of corruption in the country. The Taliban consistently cite the implementation of “Islamic Sharia” and anti-corruption measures as key achievements. However, the organization’s figures say that government structures lack transparency regarding revenue sources, budget spending, and contracts, while independent media and international observers are denied free oversight. Denmark, Finland, and Singapore top the index, while Venezuela, Somalia, and South Sudan rank at the bottom. Taliban deputy spokesperson Hamdullah Fitrat has claimed that corruption has decreased under Taliban rule. Experts, however, note that after four and a half years in power, no independent institutions, media, or international monitors can transparently track government finances or administrative actions. Analysts warn that the lack of transparency, secrecy, and concentrated power has fueled administrative and financial corruption, exacerbating poverty, economic crisis, and ethnic discrimination in Afghanistan. High-ranking Taliban officials are predominantly from the Pashtun ethnic group, a structure that experts identify as a factor contributing to corruption. The report raises key questions for the Taliban: In the past four and a half years, which official or affiliate has been prosecuted for corruption? If there truly is no culture of impunity, why are financial and governance records hidden from the media and exiled journalists? Afghanistan remains one of the countries in urgent need of reforms to enhance transparency, accountability, and governance.