A number of shopkeepers in Zaranj city, the capital of Nimroz province, claim that the Taliban are extorting money under the pretext of religious tax (Ushar).
On Monday, November 28, these shopkeepers, talking to Hasht-e Subh, said that the Taliban are extorting money from the shopkeepers in the city under the name of finance and without considering the status of transactions.
Abdullah (pseudonym), one of the shopkeepers in Zaranj city, speaking to Hasht-e Subh, said: “The tax amount in 1400 was usually 1,500 to 2,000 AFN, but now the Taliban, without considering the market and sales situation have demanded 8,000.00 AFN.”
This shopkeeper adds: “While the business situation has worsened compared to the previous year and people run shops out of necessity, the local Taliban are blackmailing us.”
The business persons in Zaranj city claim of blackmail and corruption by the Taliban in this city and report that the customs under the control of the Taliban have increased compared to the time of the republic.
Similarly, a number of drivers in Nimroz had also complained about extortion by the Taliban sometimes ago.