By Khadija Yousefi

Afghan traders dealing in traditional Afghan clothing and embroidery in Peshawar's historic Board Bazaar say their businesses have suffered a severe setback following the return of Afghan refugees to Afghanistan.

According to the traders, not only have sales dropped significantly, but online orders have also declined, seriously affecting overall business activity.

Sitting in his shop in Board Bazaar, Zabihullah, who has been involved in the traditional Afghan clothing and embroidery business for over two decades, said he was born in Pakistan but originally belongs to Afghanistan's Nangarhar province and has lived in Pakistan since childhood.

Zabihullah has been running the business since 2003. He said that for the first time, his business is facing such a serious crisis that the once-busy marketplace has fallen quiet.

He explained that around 85 to 90 percent of his customers were Afghan nationals, while the remaining customers were Pakistanis. Previously, his workshop produced around 30 suits daily, but since the return of Afghan refugees, production has fallen to fewer than five suits a day.

He added that his business was not limited to walk-in customers, as online sales also contributed significantly. However, online orders have also dropped sharply following the refugees' return.

Also Read : 'We are ready to return, but we need time': Afghan refugees call for a dignified exit

According to Zabihullah, those Afghans who have already returned are no longer customers, while many of those still living in Pakistan avoid visiting the market due to fear, further reducing business.

He said most traders in Board Bazaar have invested millions of rupees in their shops and inventory, making it difficult to shut down their businesses. Some traders have invested between Rs50 million and Rs60 million, while others hold stock worth up to Rs100 million, including traditional embroidered garments and handicrafts imported from Afghanistan.

Although most of his customers were Afghans, Zabihullah said Pakistani youth also purchase or tailor traditional Afghan dresses for universities, cultural events, weddings, and other functions. Similarly, female students often prefer Afghan-style dresses for educational and cultural programmes, helping sustain local demand.

He noted that embroidery and stitching work at his workshop is carried out by male artisans, while women do not work there.

Business representatives warn that if the current situation continues, Peshawar's traditional handicrafts, embroidery, and Afghan clothing industry could face further decline, putting the livelihoods of both traders and skilled workers at risk.

Meanwhile, SSP Operations Peshawar Farhan Khan said that foreign nationals whose visas have expired or who do not possess valid legal documents to stay in Pakistan are being repatriated in accordance with the government's policy.