A number of businessmen said on Sunday that they are concerned about their safety as kidnappings have recently surged in Kabul city.

Gul Mahmoud, a businessman in Kabul, said kidnappers have been warning him in past two months but the relevant government departments have not taken any step despite he has shared the issue with them.

“A magnetic bomb was placed outside my building and a heavy explosion occurred which took $100,000 USD to repair the damaged parts. We shared the issue with security departments. Later another bomb was placed in my shop,” Mahmoud said.

“Every moment I am thinking when and by who will be stabbed from my family or relatives. Believe me, life is difficult this way. It is about three months that I am living in this condition,” said Amir Mohammad, another businessman.

“If government does not ensure our safety and the safety our properties and our markets, we will have to leave Afghanistan and invest in another country,” Haji Akhtar, a businessman said.

At least 15 kidnapping incidents were reported from across the country in last month, officials in Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Industries (ACCI) said.

“The private sector is worried about the issue. It is worried that the few businessmen who have remained in Afghanistan will leave the country. President [Ashraf Ghani] should hear this and security departments should realize it,” the deputy head of ACCI Khan Jan Alokozay said.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Interior said security forces are committed to ensure the safety of businessmen across the country.

“The new security team has plans on hand to identify and arrest those who commit crimes in cities, especially in Kabul,” said Najib Danish, a spokesman for the Interior Ministry.