Several vendors in the city of Mazar-e Sharif, the capital of Balkh province, say that their sales have decreased compared to previous years and people cannot afford to buy dried fruits. At the same time, residents of this province emphasize that due to widespread poverty and enduring unemployment, their purchasing power has approached zero.
Some vendors in the city of Mazar-e Sharif, the capital of Balkh province, say that due to the decrease in people’s purchasing power, the dried fruit market has remained stagnant.
Mohammad Arif, a vendor of food and dried fruits in Mazar-e Sharif, observes that with just one day remaining until the holiday, the markets remain stagnant. He remarks, “Every year, the economy worsens for the people. Poverty is rampant, and everyone is striving to secure a piece of bread for their families, ensuring no one goes hungry.”
Mohammad Arif continues, “In previous years, we had high sales. Ten days before the holiday, our sales would start. We used to stay in the shop until the second day of the holiday because customers would come. As days go by, things slow down every year. This year, there are no sales anymore. It’s evident that people are desperate.”
Ramin, another vendor in Mazar-e Sharif, laments the recession affecting his business. He explains, “Sales have drastically dropped. Previously, we would procure goods from the company twice daily and would sell them all until evening. However, nowadays, even with daily supplies, they remain unsold for up to 10 days due to the lack of customers.”
He further adds that those who used to buy three to five kilograms of dried fruits in previous years cannot afford to buy even one kilogram this year. According to him, the prices are reasonable compared to last year, but people don’t have purchasing power.
Some residents of Mazar-e Sharif are also complaining about worsening economic conditions and say that unemployment in Balkh has reached its peak with no solutions in sight.
Shah Mohammad, a resident of Mazar-e Sharif, says that his living difficulties are so severe that he hasn’t even thought about the Eid expenses yet.
This man, who sells vegetables in the bazaar of Mazar-e Sharif, says that the only breadwinner for an eight-member family is himself, and he is unable to meet the daily needs of his family.
Shah Mohammad further explains, “With 8 people in the household and me as the sole laborer, prioritizing challenges becomes a daunting task. We’re grappling with acquiring even the necessities, let alone Eid preparations! The burdens are so overwhelming that Eid has slipped my mind. Ramadan offered a slight reprieve as we elders could afford to eat less, easing the strain. Now, I’m left with just a wheelbarrow, selling tomatoes on the streets. How can I sustain our expenses with such limited means? The Taliban’s constant disruption makes it impossible to work in one place for long, adding insult to injury.”
Shah Mohammad is not the only one suffering from economic problems, thousands roam the streets of the city in search of a morsel of bread, and some return home at the end of the day with nothing to show for their efforts.
Usman, a plasterer and painter, shares that he labors three to four days weekly for meager pay, insufficient to meet his living costs. He remarks, “Eid has arrived, and everyone desires a joyous celebration with loved ones. Yet, life’s hardships hinder our ability to prepare adequately and enjoy the festivities as we wish.”
This Balkh province resident stresses, “Prices haven’t soared, yet unemployment is widespread, leaving many unable to afford even the necessities due to widespread joblessness. I only secure work three to four days a week for paltry wages. With such earnings, how can we address life’s challenges? Feed our empty stomachs? Cover rent? It’s clear, we, the people, face immense hardship and despair.”
Economic experts assert that the Taliban have no fundamental plan for Afghanistan’s economic growth. According to them, the Taliban’s incompetence and lack of understanding in governance and creating employment programs have led to the country’s economic recession, with the unemployment rate increasing with each passing day.