Sadaqat, a shopkeeper in Kabul, stands behind his stall with shelves half-empty, customers scarce, and worries mounting. Since the new government took office, the lifeblood of Afghanistan’s economy—cash—has become a rare commodity.
The freezing of the Afghan central bank’s assets by the United States has led to a significant liquidity crisis. Banks limit withdrawals, leaving both shopkeepers and customers without access to their savings. “Customers come to my shop but have no cash to buy essentials,” Sadaqat explains. “I want to sell, but transactions have become nearly impossible.”
The cash shortage cripples daily commerce. Without a functioning banking system, businesses cannot operate effectively, and supply chains are disrupted. The struggling economy affects everyone—from the merchants in bustling markets to families needing basic goods.
Despite the hardships, Sadaqat remains hopeful. “I believe this situation won’t last long,” he says with quiet determination. “We are resilient people. Business will return to normal once the cash flows again.”
The challenges faced by Afghan shopkeepers like Sadaqat highlight the broader economic struggles in the country. As the international community watches, the hope is for swift action to alleviate the financial strain and support Afghanistan’s path towards stability.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
