Drive launched against food hoarding in Jalalabad

JALALABAD (Pajhwok): An awareness campaign has been conducted for shopkeepers prevent food hoarding in the capital of eastern Nangarhar province.

Shopkeepers were warned over the loudspeaker that hoarding is unlawful in Islam and those involved in it were deprived of Ramadan blessings.

The awareness drive in Jalalabad was jointly conducted by the Departments of Information and Culture and Hajj and Religious Affairs.

Officials said the campaign was aimed to control prices of food items. During the holy month, shopkeepers increase food rates and hoard such items.

Director of Information Rahimullah Khogyani said the drive also involved security officials.

Khogyani said participants of the campaign urged shopkeepers to follow Islamic teachings and refrain from hoarding.

Director of Hajj and Religious Affairs Maulvi Mohammad Aziz said hoarding was unlawful in Islam and those involved in it were deprived to the blessings of Ramadan.

Despite a string of similar drives by the municipality, Nangarhar residents continue to complain of a hike in prices of food items.

hr/mud