In brief
Abdul Qahar Ghorbandi, once a covert Taliban operative, now leads Afghanistan's tax collection efforts, facing significant economic challenges amid international sanctions and a declining aid landscape.
Abdul Qahar Ghorbandi, the director of the Taliban's Taxpayers Services Directorate, embodies an unexpected blend of authority and approachability in the heart of Kabul. With his signature black turban and an affable demeanor, he is tasked with the formidable challenge of ensuring the Taliban government collects revenue in one of the world’s poorest countries, still struggling after their rise to power.Each day, Mr. Ghorbandi presides over the bustling tax office where compatriots ranging from teachers to truck drivers arrive to settle their fiscal responsibilities. Situated under the watchful gaze of a Taliban flag, he oversees this financial chamber with an awareness reminiscent of a skilled accountant, ensuring that taxpayers not only fulfill their obligations but also understand the intricacies of the tax system.In response to a severe economic downturn post-2021, the Taliban government is intensifying its tax collection efforts. These initiatives coincide with a climate of international sanctions that have compounded Afghanistan’s struggles, particularly following the abolition of much U.S. aid that had previously flowed into the nation. Much of this assistance, aimed at humanitarian efforts, has been curtailed due to the Taliban’s governance style and its controversial policies, particularly regarding women's rights.As Mr. Ghorbandi interacts with citizens navigating the weary halls of the tax building, the dichotomy of his past—a covert operative in the Taliban’s earlier days—contrasts sharply with his current role as ‘the friendly taxman.’ His new affiliation with public service aims to stabilize the economy despite the overarching challenges obstructing progress, making efforts like his vital to the nation’s financial backbone.
