Security ensured, economy still poor after Taliban takeover, say tradesmen

KABUL, Afghanistan

Following the Taliban takeover in the capital Kabul, security has been provided but the economy is still poor, according to Afghan tradesmen.

Ahmed Parviz, the head of the Chamber of Tradesmen of Ariana Grand Bazaar, which houses some 350 shops, said that he is hopeful for the future.

Complaining of exorbitant corruption and theft before the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, he said the situation is good now. “However, there is a problem with the economic situation of people. I hope that it will improve over time.”

He expects the Taliban administration to focus on the young people.

“They should find a solution for unemployment. The Taliban won the hearts of the people as they ensured security in the country, but they also need to amend the economy. I hope that everything will be better in the future,” Parviz expressed.

Fabric seller Inayetullah Tahir said that he could not sell anything for a week and he expects the Taliban to create job opportunities for the unemployed.

“Now the situation in Afghanistan is very good. In the previous administration, people were killed for 10,000 afghanis ($117) and a mobile phone in their pockets. There were widespread heft and bullying. Now we have no security problems,” he said.

Han Muhammed Ayyubi, who has been a tradesman in the Grand Bazaar for 18 years, stressed that the revival of the market depends on foreign aid.

Trade across Kabul has come to a standstill, he said and added that if foreign aid comes, the wheel will turn, as in the government of former President Ashraf Ghani.

“The future of the country is not clear, but the current administration is better than the previous one,” he added.

After the Taliban seized control of Kabul on Aug. 15, business was halted in major cities.

*Writing by Gozde Bayar in Ankara