Sunday, September 23, 2012

Stamping out corruption in Kabul


Some countries are faced with a deluge of problems. It may be plagued by religious fanatics, terrorism, corruption or political upheaval. Even under  such dire situations ,there are a few who stand up for what is right and try to improve the situation of the country.
One such person is Colonel Abdul Fatah who runs the busiest passport office in Kabul.  He has earned a reputation  of being upright and honest. Known for being incorruptible and discharging his duties efficiently, he has received  commendations and awards from leaders and organizations. But for him, it's not about awards, it's about getting the job done. His office issues  roughly  250 to 300  passports a day , efficiently . Despite the limitations and some security weaknesses in the passport system, Col Fatah is happy to facilitate the travel of Afghans.
In his own words…… “if we don’t finish our work today, it becomes a burden tomorrow” He came into the lime light when one of the high ranking officials waiting in line for his passport renewal overheard Col Abdul Fatah lecturing his subordinates that corruption would not be tolerated.
According to him, “Society is like a family. If a member of the family is corrupt, then the others try to make him a good person”
He says that there are larger problems that plague the passport office, like the lack of a computer base. This makes it easy for Afghans to have multiple passports with the same name. He understands the situation and does not blame the offender alone. “The problem is political”, he says.  “If a person has an Indian Visa, then Pakistan will not give a visa, and vica-versa”

He sounds practical when he says “Every Afghan should travel  to foreign countries. There has been a lot of war in this country and they should go and see other cultures. See the way others work and live”.
Here is one guy who is really dedicated to improve the situation in his country. If there were more dedicated and honest people like him, I am sure the problems plaguing the country will vanish.
A short movie on the way he works - click here to see it yourself.
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20 comments:

  1. Teresa EvangelineSeptember 23, 2012 at 4:43 AM

    I am really encouraged by reading this. Thank you for pointing out this goodness in the midst of all that seems otherwise.

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  2. ConnieSeptember 23, 2012 at 5:46 AM

    It sounds like he is doing his best to do the right thing. The world needs more like that.

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  3. TonjaSeptember 23, 2012 at 6:46 AM

    Interesting post. I think it took 6 weeks to get my passport in the US. Maybe technology doesn't necessarily make things faster.

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  4. Lazy PineappleSeptember 23, 2012 at 7:32 AM

    This post is another example of the unique topics you select for your posts. It was an interesting read :)

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  5. Cezar and LéiaSeptember 23, 2012 at 9:14 AM

    Great post and thanks for the link and kind comment that you left in our blog. The video about cycles in Europe is very interesting! :)
    Léia

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  6. LowellSeptember 23, 2012 at 10:13 AM

    It is wonderful to read about someone who has not been corrupted by the system, whether in the U.S. or Afghanistan or anywhere! Kudos to this fine gentleman!

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  7. Susan Gourley/KelleySeptember 23, 2012 at 12:22 PM

    If only more people in every country, every government and every family had the same attitude. Thanks for sharing this story.

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  8. http://www.samposey.com/September 23, 2012 at 12:40 PM

    Wonderful post. Thanks for bringing Colonel Fatah to our attention.

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  9. walk2writeSeptember 23, 2012 at 7:43 PM

    From the news reports that we get here in the States, it's hard to know what to believe about what's really going on the Middle East. It's good to know that there are people who stand up for what's right and bloggers who make us aware of them.

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  10. anilkurup59September 24, 2012 at 3:15 AM

    One must fear for his life. Hope he is not harmed.

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  11. KParthasarathiSeptember 24, 2012 at 6:05 PM

    A post with a great message for everyone.What a pleasant feeling to know of such good men working with dedication for public good.

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  12. BikramSeptember 25, 2012 at 3:16 AM

    all the best to him.. hope his wishes come trueeee


    Bikram's

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  13. Anupama K. MazumderSeptember 25, 2012 at 10:17 AM

    We should be inspired by him.

    www.anucreations.blogspot.in
    www.facebook.com/VolatileSpirits

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  14. Myrna R.September 26, 2012 at 9:07 AM

    So nice to know there are decent, well-meaning people like this Col. I'm happy to read something that is positive, rather than pointing out negativity. Thank you for this.

    (Hard to believe the office can function at all without a computer data base.)

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  15. momto8September 26, 2012 at 11:34 AM

    I think there are many people like him...the media does not want us to know this..guess they do not think it's really news...thanks for the inspiration.

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  16. KmcblackburnSeptember 27, 2012 at 7:27 AM

    Thank you for spreading the message. Good to read about people standing up for what is right. Thank you for sharing.

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  17. MaySeptember 27, 2012 at 7:35 AM

    I'm so happy that there are still some type of people like him in this world we are today..
    Thanks for sharing this really inspiring.. Hope you have a great week..

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  18. About Last WeekendSeptember 27, 2012 at 7:03 PM

    Thanks for stopping by so I could find your blog. Love hearing stories about people who just do their job in the face of so much opposition. He's right - if people travel, it all becomes so much clearer.

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  19. KappuSeptember 28, 2012 at 10:53 AM

    Whoa, this Abdul Fatak must be wonderful!!

    Thanks for sharing this with us!!

    Do stop by my blog!! I'd love your visits & comments!

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  20. Suburban GirlSeptember 29, 2012 at 5:21 AM

    Wow, Kudos to him.

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