A vendor complains of bad economic situation

MAHMOOD RAQI (Pajhwok): A vendor in central Kapisa province, who pushes a handcart to eke out a living for his family, complains of his poor economic situation.

The vendor, Nasir Ahmad, says he goes through difficulties in supporting a family of five.

Speaking to Pajhwok Afghan News, he said his income had recently dropped. On certain days, he returns home empty-handed.

“I have been working in the local market for 10 years. Last year, I was able to earn 300 afghanis a day, but now I have fewer customers. On some days, I don’t earn a single penny.”

With his lips cracked and mouth dry because of fasting, Ahmad is leaning on his handcart in front of a shop in the Deh Baba Ali Bazaar.

Looking for customers who want to transport their goods, Ahmad says he now earns up to 70 afghanis (less than a dollar) a day and that the money is not enough to meet his family needs.

With disheveled hair and a sore face, the vendor has no option, but to continue with his work.

Having traveled abroad multiple times in search of work, Ahmad was deported each time.

“If I have a job and earn 250 to 300 afghanis a day, it will be enough for my family and I will not need to go to other countries,” he remarked.

Wearing a wry smile, he said: “When there are no customers, I feel sad. It is 12.00 noon. But I have earned only 20 afghanis so far.”

He added: “When I go home without earning money, I quarrel with family members at times and go to fields in desperation.”

Ahmad is ready ro do anything to provide food for his family, though he has serious stomach issues and is unable to do hard labour.

But he is still ready to lift heavy things to earn money for his family. “Being short-statured, I cannot unload vehicles.

“But God bless the shopkeepers who empathize and call me for transporting their bags in return for a few afghanis,” he said.

Nasir has three children, aged five, three and one and a half years.

He asked the government to provide jobs for people and resolve their economic problems.

mds/mud

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