The Islamic Emirate responded to a Transparency International report by saying that Afghanistan's ranking of 162nd in the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) does not mean that corruption levels have risen in the nation.

Afghanistan has fallen 12 places to 162nd position in the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) for 2023 compared to the previous year, Transparency International reported on Tuesday.

The Islamic Emirate spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, said that Afghanistan is now free of corruption, and if the investigation of the Transparency International was carried out closely in the county, Afghanistan would be in the first place.

"The fact that Afghanistan is ranked 162nd means that very serious steps have been taken against corruption; if they were close here in [Afghanistan], Afghanistan might have been placed first or second, because here transparency and absence from corruption are very evident. It is considered an important achievement from a state that was in the first rank of corruption,” Mujahid said.

Afghanistan has scored 20 out of 100 in the new index, ranking 162 out of 180 countries and territories.

"The reactions of governments to the figures presented by international organizations can sometimes be positive and sometimes negative, but the main thing is that these figures should not be considered useless,” said Sayed Masoud, an economist.

"In reality, presenting these reports serves as a warning about the governance system in the governments, emphasising the need for significant action to address the flaws," said Najibullah Shamal, an international relations analyst.

Previously, the Islamic Emirate has said that the fight against corruption is one of the most important principles of current governance in Afghanistan.