A week-long holiday announced by the Afghan government on the occasion of the Grand Consultative Jirga on Peace in Kabul has brought many businesses and economic activities to a standstill as some residents and small investors described.

The Shahzada Forex Market is closed since Saturday, April 27, and private banks are not operating as well. 

“There are workers from Badakhshan, Takhar, Kunduz and other provinces who cannot work as businesses have stopped in many parts of the city,” said Noor Mohammad, a Kabul resident.

“Some people are waiting to receive the money which has been transferred to them through the Shahzada Market but the market is closed,” said Mohammad Yamin, a Kabul resident.

“Banks are also closed for a week. There is a huge problem. We call on government to focus on this issue or at least allow banks to operate,” said Jawed Ahmad, a Kabul resident.

The deputy head of the Peace Jirga organizing committee, Zia-ul-Haq Amarkhail, said they apologize for all the issues created for the people.

He said the problem is not permanent and that the measures are for the safety of those who have attended the Peace Jirga.

The Jirga was started on Monday, April 29, where almost 3,200 delegates have attended to draw a framework for peace talks with the Taliban as President Ghani put it on the inauguration day.