Afghanistan's former transport minister was arrested on Monday on charges of misusing public funds in a corruption case that cost the government more than $9 million, an official said. Inayatullah Qasimi, who was appointed minister in 2004 and served for less than two years, will face trial for misuse of public funds and abuse of authority, said a spokesman for the attorney general's office.
He is the first former member of Hamid Karzai's administration to face charges relating to corruption, although the Afghan President is under intense pressure from his Western backers to crack down on official graft. The losses were allegedly accrued in a deal signed off by Qasimi to buy two new aircraft for state carrier Ariana, spokesman Amanullah Iman said, without giving further details. "(Qasimi) is accused of abuse of power and misuse of public funds," said spokesman. "He is accused of causing losses of nearly $9 million, and he will face trial."