The Afghan people are facing harsh days

The Afghan people are facing harsh days; winter is coming, and at the same time the poverty rate and unemployment are increasing. Today, it's a rainy day in Kabul. The streets are full of people with dark and gloomy faces waiting in line to receive bread and other groceries. There is a young man across the street, he has a cart and is selling onions and potatoes, but he looks very chic.

He has bags full of potatoes and onions, and in order to catch people's attention he uses the following sign: "big potatoes, big onions". I approach him and start a conversation. He (referred to as Munir Ahmad in this report) worked as a reporter for a private TV channel. He used to read newspapers and write reports, but now he has to sell potatoes and onions. He says he has given up all hope given the bad crisis that has hit Afghanistan, and added: "Right now, I only worry about feeding my family, if during the day I work we get something to eat, otherwise we are going to starve."

His father, like thousands of Afghans, has lost his job, and now he is the one who has to provide for his family. He doesn't feel like reading and writing, he has to get out of the house, and sell potatoes and onions to feed the 8 members of his family. Munir Ahmad says his daily income is about AFN 200 - 300, and with this amount of money he can afford just two meals for his family. He is very worried because prices are so high now; and the Taliban have not made public any plan aimed at reducing the cost of living. He does not know what the coming winter will bring, his income is low, and he cannot foretell the future.

Munir Ahmad believes the government should help secure its citizens' livelihood as well as help them overcome the bad economic situation. Although he is worried sick he continues straightening and arranging his potatoes and onions. When people cross the street they see a gifted person selling potatoes and onions.