Taliban Reports Distribution of Over 380,000 Electronic ID Cards Across Afghanistan

The Taliban-run National Statistics and Information Authority has announced that a total of 382,074 electronic ID cards (e-Tazkiras) were distributed across Afghanistan during the Afghan calendar months of Mizan and Aqrab. This figure includes 22,125 ID cards issued through the authority’s post-distribution services.

According to the released statistics, Kabul province topped the list with the highest number of distributed ID cards, with over 71,000 residents receiving theirs during this period.

Herat followed with more than 52,000 ID cards issued, while Kandahar received nearly 21,000, Nangarhar over 20,000, and Kunduz around 15,000, marking them as the provinces with the highest issuance rates after Kabul.

The Taliban authorities claim to have 80 operational centers for issuing electronic ID cards and providing related services nationwide, in addition to one center located in the United Arab Emirates. These centers reportedly serve both male and female applicants.

However, concerns persist over the transparency and inclusiveness of the distribution process amid limited public access in certain areas, lack of independent oversight, and widespread questions about fairness and accountability.