More than 40 business people have been abducted in the city of Kabul and across the country over the past two months.  

The Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Industries (ACCI) said these traders have been kidnapped in Kabul, Kandahar, Nangarhar, Kunduz, Herat and Balk provinces. 

“Around 40 cases have been recorded by the (ACCI),” said Khan Jan Alokozai, deputy chief of ACCI.  “Sadly, a number of them have lost their lives. I must say that the disarmament of traders by the Islamic Emirate has caused these ncidents.” 

According to the (ACCI), four business people have been killed in fighting with kidnappers.  

“The disarming of businessmen is the reason behind their being killing and kidnapped,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Interior said they would soon issue weapon licenses to the traders in a bid to ensure their safety. 

“The distribution process of weapon licenses will begin and we will issue them in the coming days. We take their previous license and give them new ones,” said Saeed Khosti, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Interior Affairs. 

This comes as Afghanistan has recently seen a massive collapse in investment and businesses as many traders withdrew their investment from the country following the rapid fall of the former government.