Foreign currencies strictly banned in Paktika

SHARAN (Pajhwok): The neighboring counties of Afghanistan have promoted the use of their currencies in the country through a conspiracy and steps had been taken to prevent its use in southeastern Paktika province, an official said on Thursday.

Mawlavi Makhdum Abdul Salaam Saadat, deputy government of Paktika, said that small currency exchange shops have been established on roads leading to the districts and Sharan, the provincial capital, where people could convert foreign currencies into Afghani.

He said: “Afghani was our identity, we have to establish this policy to prevent the use of foreign currency and promote local currency, check-points have been made and money changing centre have been established to facilitate people to exchange currencies.”

Local residents have been happy for the government policy to discourage the use of foreign currencies and promote Afghani.

Amir Khan, a resident of Paktika, said that ban of the use of foreign currency, especially Pakistani currency was a positive step.

“I have Pakistani rupee, it gives me no interest, I will change it now to purchase thing on afghani, everyone should use afghani if they are shopkeepers or common people.”

Mohammad Usman, a resident of Matta Khan, said the process launched for the promotion of Afghani was vital.

He asked common Afghans to use local currency to discourage the use of foreign currency in the country.

It is pertinent to mention that in the past, the use of Pakistani currency was banned several times, but people again opted for foreign currencies.

nh