RASC News Agency: Several car dealership owners in Herat province, located in western Afghanistan, have reported a significant decline in the market for buying and selling passenger cars. Ahmad Farhad, one of Herat’s car dealers, told RASC News on Tuesday, May 21, that compared to last year, there has been a substantial drop in the sales of both Afghanistan and Pakistani second-hand cars.
He added that the downturn in the car market and reduced sales in Herat have dealt a severe blow to car dealers and their investments. He stated, “The primary concern for Herat’s car dealers is their substantial investments tied up in cars, which are currently generating no income.” Meanwhile, Maroof, another car dealer in Herat, told RASC that the price of a “Passo” car, which previously exceeded 100,000 kabuli rupees, has now fallen to less than 90,000 kabuli rupees in the current market.
He noted that the car trade in Herat is inconsistent; at times sales are high, while at other times they plummet. Currently, the cars predominantly used by residents in Herat are second-hand Pakistani vehicles, known as “Wishi.” Additionally, Mohammad Rafiq, a representative of car dealers in Herat, told RASC that low purchasing power and economic hardship among the population are key factors contributing to the decline in car sales.
He explained that another reason for the drop in sales of Afghanistan and Pakistani second-hand cars is the rising cost of fuel. He added that these issues collectively exacerbate societal problems day by day. Ghulam Shah, a resident of Herat, told RASC that while every family needs a car, the poor economic conditions have dashed the hopes and dreams of many families.
Reflecting on his situation, he lamented, “I wish I were a citizen of another country besides Afghanistan, where I could achieve my independence and aspirations. However, such a reality will not come to fruition in Afghanistan for at least another hundred years, and the people of this country will continue to live in despair and anticipation.”
