A number of shopkeepers in Kandahar city say the Taliban government intends to demolish two major commercial centers named "Mirwais" and "Roshan." Expressing deep concern, they are demanding fair compensation from the Taliban.
These two commercial centers are located in the Arg Bazaar area, near the municipality building and the Taliban governor's office in Kandahar. According to the shopkeepers, the Taliban have informed them to vacate their shops as soon as possible but have not mentioned anything about compensation or providing an alternative location.
The shopkeepers emphasize that approximately 400 million afghanis have been invested in these two commercial centers, and their demolition will deal a severe blow to the local economy. They say this action will leave hundreds of people unemployed and put many families at risk of losing their only source of income.
"We ask the Taliban to determine our fate before the demolition," said one shopkeeper. "Either give us a suitable place or compensate us for our investment."
Meanwhile, the Taliban's municipality in Kandahar has confirmed the plan to demolish the two centers. The institution stated its intention to build two large, modern commercial complexes on the site. However, the municipality has remained silent on how the shopkeepers will be compensated.
This issue has raised concerns about the Taliban's approach to private property. Kandahar residents say that in recent years, there have been many cases of houses and shops being demolished without proper expropriation or adequate compensation.
According to an investigative report by "Afghan Witness" published in November 2024, the Taliban municipality in Kabul cleared approximately 1.5 million square meters of land between August 2021 and August 2024, which included thousands of residential homes and commercial properties. The report also confirms that many affected families did not receive full compensation. Source: Local Media
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