Shopkeepers and residents in Bala Buluk district in the western province of Farah say economic conditions have sharply deteriorated, with falling purchasing power and a lack of job opportunities leaving many struggling to meet basic needs.
Several shopkeepers said business activity has declined significantly as residents cut back on spending. Others said the closure of migration routes to neighbouring countries has removed a key source of income for unemployed youth.
Kamaluddin, a small shop owner in Bala Buluk, said he invested about 2,500 afghanis ($35) to open a modest store but earns only 50 to 60 afghanis a day, an amount he said does not cover basic household expenses.
“I was forced to take up this work because there are no other jobs,” he said.
Young residents said they face limited prospects both inside the country and abroad. Many said migration routes to Iran and Pakistan, once a lifeline for labourers from the area, are now largely closed.
“The road to Iran is closed to us, and the road to Pakistan is also closed,” said Asadullah, an unemployed resident. “There is no work inside the country, and as a result, we do not have enough to eat.”
Another unemployed resident, Zalmai, said poverty had become widespread, adding that limited farming activity and a lack of investment had further reduced livelihoods.
Residents said efforts by young people to start small businesses have produced few results over the past four years, citing a lack of local support and assistance from aid organisations.
