Officials from Balkh Chamber of Commerce and Industries said investment has shown at least 30 percent decrease amid the ongoing tension between the Presidential Palace, ARG, and Jamiat-e-Islami party.  

“There are posts about military moves and similar things in social media and these directly affects (investment) and create concerns among the people,” head of Balkh Chamber of Commerce and Industries Arash Yunusi told TOLOnews.  

TOLOnews journalist Karim Amini interviewed a number of investors who said they have stopped expanding their investment in Balkh following the political tension.  

Abdul Matin, an investor, said he establish a big chocolate factory in Mazar-e-Sharif city six months ago but according to him, he is waiting for an end to the political standoff in order to start his business.   

The factory will produce up to 2,000 kilograms of chocolates every day once it is operational, he said.   

“We urge the National Unity Government to end the standoff. We should work with no concern,” said Matin.   

The tension between the two sides increased when President Ashraf Ghani removed Atta Mohammad Noor from his position as governor of Balkh last year in December. 

Government and Jamiat delegations held seven rounds of discussions to break the stalemate but the result is not clear so far. 

“Political talks are ongoing and when the discussions are final, the new Balkh govenror will be introduced,” said Munira Yusufzada, spokesperson of Independent Directorate of Local Governance.