Helmandis in dire straits due to closure of banks

LASHKARGAH (Pajhwok): Residents of southern Helmand province complain that they are in great trouble due to closure of banks, demanding prompt reopening of banking services for the public.

After the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan, all banks including Da Afghanistan Bank (DAB) suspended their services in the country.

However, a few days ago, Taliban spokesman, ZabihullahMujahid told a press conference in Kabul that all banks would resume their operation on August 25.

DAB, Kabul Bank and Azizi Bank main branches resumed their services but still people are unable to withdraw money from their accounts.

DAB in a statement had earlier said that people could withdraw only $200 or 20,000 Afghanis from their accounts once in a week.

Besides banks, other financial services have also come to a standstill.

Mirza Mohammad, a resident of Lashkargah, capital of Helmand province, told Pajhwok Afghan News that banking services had been shut in the province since a month.

“Many people keep their money in banks, if banks are closed, how business can continue in the market, it is a huge problem,” he said.

Another resident of Lashkargah city, Abdul Basir said that people were out of money and they now faced economic problems.

“People have no money, how they can shop, it is a big crisis, this should come to an end soon,” he said.

A number of other residents of the province held similar complaints and asked the Islamic Emirate of Taliban to open banks as soon as possible.

Mds/ma