Nangarhar traders concerned over kidnappings

JALALABAD (PAN Chamber of Commerce and Industries (ACCI) deputy head on Monday complained traders were facing multiple problems due to kidnappings and the presence of illegal armed groups in eastern Nangarhar province.

Khan Jan Alokozay told a press conference in Jalalabad, the capital of Nangarhar, the problem of abductions had worried the entire society and if the government did not take serious steps, investors would be scared away.

The issues had been shared with the president, who trade leaders would meet again next week, he said, adding the enemies of Nangarhar had joined hands against peace and stability in this province.

Without naming the illegal armed groups, Alokozay hit out at the provincial government’s failure to prevent abductions and the armed groups.

Also criticising the government for its failure to supply electricity to traders, he said more than 300 factories were reliant on generators and hence their inability to compete with Pakistani firms, he added.

Also present at the news conference, ACCI head for Nangarhar, Mohammad Qasim Yousufi, told Pajhwok Afghan News the presence of illegal armed groups and kidnappings had led to a 35 percent decline in investment since 2004.

A number of traders were forced to leave the country and stay in the United Arab Emirates, he said, but did not give further information.

Governor Gul Agha Sherzai asked security officials to take steps to address traders’ concerns. His spokesman Ahmad Zia Abdulzai said the governor had recently discussed the issue with the president and other officials.

frm/mud