Afghan Central Bank head vows to save Kabul Bank

The governor of Afghanistan's central bank has said he will not allow the country's largest bank to collapse, after the resignation of two top executives amid allegations of corruption and mismanagement.

Abdul Qadir Fitrat said: "We have supplied as much cash to branches of Kabul Banks as possible. The Kabul Bank collapse is not an option."

His assurances appeared to fall on deaf ears as crowds of account holders converged on branches of Kabul Bank to withdraw their money.

Fears are mounting that the bank has run up huge debts it can't afford. If it were to collapse, the damage to Afghanistan's economy would be severe since it handles payments to government workers.

The size of the bank's debts is unclear, however the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal reported that losses could exceed $300m (£194m).

Read a full report at BBC News. ·