Shop Rent Hikes in Qarabagh Prompt Merchants to Demand Reconsideration

Several shopkeepers in the Qarabagh district market of Kabul say that the significant increase in shop rents in recent years has severely reduced their financial capacity and made continuing their businesses difficult. They have called on municipal authorities to reconsider their recent decision and lower the rents by taking into account the economic situation of the people.

According to these shopkeepers, costs are rising while the market faces relative stagnation, with many small traders experiencing reduced sales. They warn that if this trend continues, it may result in the closure of numerous shops and a decline in commercial activities in the area.

In response, the Qarabagh municipality issued a statement saying that there are 16 markets in this district with nearly 1,500 shops, all of which are the official property of the municipality and not private ownership. Based on the statement, setting and regulating the rents and administrative affairs of these shops fall under the legal jurisdiction of the municipality.

The municipality emphasized that the rent-setting process has been carried out based on a regular plan and evaluation to transparently collect revenues, which are then spent on public services, market regulation, sanitation, security, and infrastructure. The authority dismissed claims regarding extortion or land grabbing as baseless and stated that rent adjustments have been made in accordance with laws and regulations.

However, while the Taliban administration consistently stresses the enforcement of law and protection of public interests, shopkeepers say that decisions must consider the economic realities and the capacity of the people. In their view, the absence of practical support for small traders could increase economic pressure at the district level.

The Qarabagh municipality added that it is ready to listen to the concerns of shopkeepers and merchants and will review and consult on the matter within the framework of the law; however, the final decision will be made based on law, justice, and public interest.