Following deadly attacks in Kabul earlier this month, the Ministry of Interior started implementing a new security plan to ensure the safety of the people. Part of the plan is closing some roads and establishing check points in many parts of the city.

Kabul residents said the move has created heavy traffic in parts of the city.  

At least 100 check points have been established in downtown Kabul roads in past two weeks based on the new security plan.

“These T-walls and barriers have created problems for the people. We have to walk few kilometers every day to reach our destination,” Kabul resident Perai Gul said.

“I don’t think that road closures and barriers will bring security. They will only create heavy traffic and other problems for the people,” Kabul resident Zabiullah said.

Drivers in the city said they wait hours during morning and evening due to numerous check points on Kabul roads.

“Every day we wait for hours on roads because of heavy traffic. One day I carried a patient in my car, but despite that I was stopped, and the patient was screaming,” taxi driver Mohammad Nadir said.

The Ministry of Interior (MoI) meanwhile said the security check points have been established to ensure people’s safety and that some of them will be removed in the near future.  

“The unnecessary check points will be removed soon from Kabul city and the Kabul Security Plan will be implemented fully and we will witness big changes in Kabul security in the near future,” Interior Ministry spokesman Najib Danish said.

According to Kabul Traffic, big trucks are not allowed to enter in Kabul’s green zone, especially in Wazir Akbar Khan area during day time but they can enter the area after fully checked by security forces during night time. However, it is said that these trucks enter the area by giving bribes during day time either.