Taliban Orders Construction of New Mosque in Kandahar Amidst Transparency Concerns

The spokesperson for the Taliban-appointed governor of Balkh province has announced the construction of a new mosque on the route between Bouldak district and Kandahar city. According to the spokesperson, the project was completed at a total cost of 4.5 million Afghanis and carried out “under the guidance and direction” of the Taliban governor.

Although Taliban officials in the province claim the project has been completed, they have not disclosed which entity or individuals financed this substantial amount. The lack of transparency in funding such projects has consistently raised questions among local residents and monitoring organizations.

The Taliban administration undertakes such projects while many parts of the country face widespread poverty, damaged infrastructure, and a lack of basic services. Critics argue that prioritizing resources for projects lacking transparency indicates a lack of accountability in the Taliban’s decision-making process.

In the absence of official accountability and independent oversight bodies, it remains unclear how such projects are implemented and who benefits from them. The public’s limited access to information has heightened concerns about corruption, embezzlement, or political exploitation associated with these initiatives.