LASHKARGAH (SW) – The Pakistani Rupee continues to circulate in Helmand province despite a newly imposed ban on trading in the rupee.
In conversation with Salam Watandar, a number of local trader said they buy bulk of their supplies in rupees, hence selling them in the afghani would inflict financial losses on them. They welcomed the ban on the PKR in principle, but stressed circumstances should be created to facilitate trade in the AFN.
Haji Masjid Khan, a local elder, stressed people, especially community leaders and religious scholars should support the movement to ban the rupee.
Meanwhile, Esmatullah Fazli, regional director for the Da Afghanistan Bank, central bank, informed SW a commission has been formed to implement the ban on the rupee for good. He mentioned the DAB has released an additional AFN 223 million to facilitate the domestic trade in the local currency, but the traders continue to rely on rupee. He added the central bank has enough reserves to help replace the rupee in Helmand.
The provincial administration has also expressed its resolve to implement the ban on the PKR. Umar Zwak, spokesman for the provincial governor, said those found guilty of trading in rupee would see their bank accounts freezed.
ENDS
