Shoppers in Afghan resort to online shopping to avoid bomb attacks and sexual harassment

Shoppers in the Afghan capital are going online for everything from fashion to furniture to avoid bomb attacks and sexual harassment, with dozens of start-ups doing a brisk trade where there were few on the ground two years ago.

Suicide bombings and other attacks in Kabul have killed and wounded hundreds of people this year and security had been expected to deteriorate ahead of elections planned for October. Sexual harassment on the street is widespread.

Taliban insurgents on Sunday announced a surprise three-day ceasefire for the Eid holiday next week, marking the end of the fasting month of Ramadan, days after the government offered a ceasefire until June 20.

The new retailers, with names like AzadBazar.af, afom. af, JVBazar.com and zarinas.com, sell goods ranging from cosmetics, computers, kitchenware and furniture to cars, rugs and real estate.