An independent Afghan anticorruption body warns that there is widespread misconduct in the country's Foreign Ministry.
In a report released on June 3, the Independent Joint Anticorruption Monitoring and Evaluation Committee says favoritism and patronage often prevailed over merit and competence in diplomatic appointments.
The committee says 1,300 candidates took the entrance test for jobs at the ministry last year, and while 48 people passed, almost none of them were hired.
"Instead, 40 other individuals were hired outside of regular channels," it says.
The report also criticizes a police call center Afghan authorities set up in 2007 for citizens to report any indication of corruption or official misconduct they encounter.
According to the document, out of more than 2,000 complaints reported last year, 907 were investigated, nine were referred to the prosecutor's office, and no judicial action ever took place.