As the head of Afghanistan's Taxpayers Services Directorate, Abdul Qahar Ghorbandi is tasked with raising funds in a country struggling with poverty and international sanctions. His transition from a covert operative to the country's taxman underscores the complexities of governance under Taliban rule.
From Covert Operative to Tax Collector: The Dual Life of Abdul Qahar Ghorbandi
From Covert Operative to Tax Collector: The Dual Life of Abdul Qahar Ghorbandi
Abdul Qahar Ghorbandi, once a Taliban covert operative, now leads Afghanistan's Taxpayers Services Directorate, navigating the challenges of revenue generation amidst dire economic conditions.
Abdul Qahar Ghorbandi, now a prominent figure in Afghanistan’s government, has traded his past as a covert operative of the Taliban for a role as the head of its Taxpayers Services Directorate. His current position presents a daunting challenge: to generate funds for a nation plagued by deep poverty and crippling international sanctions.
In Kabul, Ghorbandi sits behind an imposing desk adorned with the Taliban's black-and-white flag, overseeing the tax collection process. Every workday, he meets with a steady stream of taxpayers—teachers, traders, truck drivers, and wedding organizers—who navigate the tax office’s busy corridors while discussing their income and related documentation.
Under Ghorbandi's guidance, the Taliban has made efforts to bolster its tax collection in the wake of the severe economic downturn that accompanied their return to power in 2021. The government's initiatives are further complicated by harsh sanctions and a significant reduction in U.S. aid, which could face further cuts, following controversial budget proposals from the Trump administration. This aid traditionally supported humanitarian efforts in Afghanistan, underscoring the delicate balance between governance and international relations in the Taliban's ongoing struggle for financial stability.
