KABUL - Hundreds of shops in Kabul city were closed as shopkeepers protested against an unprecedented tax increase by the government.

The shopkeepers gathered near the Ministry of Finance (MoF) compound while scores others started marching in Shahr-e-Naw area to protest against the new tax increase.

Majority of the shops in Mandawi, Kabul’s main wholesale market were closed which includes shops supplying food items to retailers.

According to the shopkeepers the government has increased the new tax by over 300 percent as compared to the previous tax level and criticized the government for remaining incapable to provide basic facilities.

The protesters also demanded the government to create job opportunities and concentrate on bringing stability in the country.

A local shopkeeper in Mandawi said the shopkeepers will continue to their protest if the government did not consider its new tax policy. (KP)