Over 17 Million Electronic ID Cards Distributed Across Afghanistan

The National Statistics and Information Authority has announced that since the start of the electronic ID card distribution process, 17,068,000 electronic ID cards have been issued to Afghan citizens.

According to data from the authority, out of the total distributed ID cards, 10,621,000 were issued to men and 6,447,000 to women, highlighting a significant disparity between men and women’s access to identity services.

The authority added that the highest number of electronic ID cards were distributed in the provinces of Kabul, Herat, Kandahar, Balkh, and Nangarhar, with more than 11 million cards issued after the Taliban regained control of the country.

Meanwhile, the National Statistics and Information Authority said that currently 81 Easy Service Centers for electronic ID distribution are operational across the country, including in Kabul, with one center also active in the United Arab Emirates. However, some residents and civil society organizations have consistently emphasized the need for equal access, transparency in procedures, and removal of restrictions, especially for women, in public services.