Sher Khan Port: Most business closed due to insecurity

KUNDUZ CITY (Pajhwok): Businessmen in the Sher Khan Port of northern Kunduz province have complained against insecurity and said tens of business companies have stopped functioning due to insecurity and lawlessness.

Businessman Ziaulhaq said he stopped his work in the port due to insecurity.

“Government officials extort us in the port, the Taliban and police on the highway. There is no insurance of security therefore I stopped by business in Sher Khan Port,” he said.

Jalaluddin, another businessman, said besides insecurity the threat from robbers had increases on the road leading to Sher Khan Port.

“In the past there were check-points, but from the past two years we don’t see those checkpoints. Robbers are here who take money and goods from businessmen at gunpoint,” he said.

He said business and trade will flourish if security is ensured and extortion comes to an end in the area.

Masoud Wahdat, the Kunduz Chamber of Commerce and Industries, said 145 companies had been closed in Sher Khan Port from the past two years.

He said: “No availability of Tajikistan Consulate General in Kunduz province, extortion, lack of investment and insecurity forced 145 companies in the port out of 150 to close their business.”

Wahdat said companies that stopped working in the Sher Khan Port have opened their business in other provinces.

Meanwhile, Police Chief Gen. Haqnawaz Haqyar claimed police have ensured the security of businessmen in Sher Khan Port and on the highway.

“We tried our best to provide them security on highway and in the port but still if business person have any problem they could share it with police,” he said.

Haqyar added if any policeman caught extorting businessmen, he would be dealt according to the law.

nh