In the past four years of Taliban governance, more than 10 million digital ID cards have been issued in Afghanistan despite history of corruption.
The National Statistics and Information Authority or NSIA has reported to Tolo News [1] that the distribution of digital IDs is taking place at easy service centres nationwide. In the capital city of Kabul, there are four centres known as Asan Khedmat. Mohammad Halim Rafi, a spokesman for the NSIA, stated that the distribution process has been streamlined by empowering additional provincial offices to resolve issues previously encountered by citizens. “Compared to the past, this process has become much easier. A few months ago, we delegated more authority to a number of provinces, and as a result, the issues citizens were facing in those provinces have been resolved,” said Rafi.
The distribution of digital ID cards has encountered complications in recent years, with citizens reporting issues such as corruption, bribery, and high travel expenses to collection centres, among other difficulties. Rafi has also stated that a centre has been established in the United Arab Emirates, with plans for similar centres in other countries, including Türkiye, Iran, and Pakistan, aimed at assisting Afghans living abroad.
Under Taliban rule, Afghanistan's digital ID system, [2] known as e-Tazkira, faced criticism for its inefficiency, corruption, and high costs. Originally launched to modernize the identity process and enhance public services, the system has led to significant frustration among citizens. The National Statistics and Information Authority [3] states that over 8 million electronic IDs have been issued since the Taliban's takeover. Nevertheless, numerous suspensions, allegations of bribery, and substantial price hikes have disrupted the process, leaving many applicants without resolution.
The Afghanistan government claims it’s digital ID card system [4] was created to enhance citizens' digital identity and facilitate access to government services. The initiative originated under the previous administration and has persisted under the Taliban government. The system incorporates biometric technologies and is designed to offer a secure and efficient method for identity verification. The Taliban asserts that there have been improvements; however, citizens report facing escalating difficulties, including delays, corruption, and barriers to accessibility. Although the system was promised to enhance Afghanistan's identity infrastructure, its implementation has faced significant challenges under the current administration.
Corruption and bribery [5] contribute to ongoing disruptions. Multiple allegations against Taliban officials suggest extortion and abuse of power in the process of issuing identification. Citizens have reported that bribes are often solicited to expedite applications, and there are accusations that the Taliban exploits governmental services for personal gain. The distribution of these services has reportedly become a profitable venture for the group.
The limited availability of E-Tazkira distribution [6] points in several underserved provinces has created significant disparities across regions, compelling residents of rural areas to undertake lengthy journeys to obtain their identification cards. Citizens from Herat, Paktia, and Balkh have expressed challenges in accessing major cities like Kabul, where most operational centres are located. Additionally, inadequate infrastructure and elevated travel expenses exacerbate these challenges, particularly impacting low-income families.
In September of 2025, the Taliban [7] announced that including photos of women on national ID cards would be optional. Officials stated that religious scholars have determined that such photographs are inconsistent with Sharia law. However, women’s rights advocates [8] have condemned the recent decision, arguing it signifies a further move towards the systematic exclusion of Afghan women from public life. Since seizing control of the country in 2021, the Taliban have imposed various restrictions on women and girls, including bans on education, prohibitions on employment, and limitations on movement without a male guardian. A member of [9] the Afghanistan Justice-Seeking Women’s Movement stated that this action aims to render Afghan women invisible, “This is an attempt to render Afghan women invisible, a woman’s identity is not negotiable. The Taliban cannot erase us by removing our images from official documents.”