Parwan Shopkeepers: Daily Sales Drop from 6,000 to Hundreds of Afghanis

Shopkeepers in Charikar, the capital of Parwan province, report a sharp decline in daily sales amid widespread poverty and unemployment that has eroded residents' purchasing power.

They say sales have fallen from 5,000 to 6,000 afghanis per day previously to just 400 to 500 afghanis now. Mohammad Elyas, a shopkeeper, said: "Previously we had 5,000 or 6,000 in daily sales, but now it's 400 or 500 afghanis. People have no money; unemployment and poverty have increased."

Seyd Jamal, another shopkeeper, stated: "Before, we did 5,000 or 6,000, but now I can't even reach 1,000 afghanis. Business is completely ruined." Dad Mohammad, also a shopkeeper, added: "There's no money; people don't have money. When there's no money, there's no work. If there are jobs, production, and companies are established, people will be busy with work and the economy will improve."

Shopkeepers emphasized that a lack of job opportunities and ongoing economic challenges are making local markets increasingly desolate each day.

Economic expert Qotbaldin Yaqubi said: "To escape this situation, the government is obligated to create new job opportunities, support investors, and provide a stable environment for investment and economic security."

The complaints from Charikar vendors highlight how reduced sales and rising unemployment are creating serious crises in their daily lives. The United Nations has previously warned that more than 70% of citizens across various parts of Afghanistan are grappling with severe unemployment and economic hardships, indicating that the local market slump is part of a broader national economic crisis.