GARDEZ (SW): The Pakistani rupee has long been circulating in a number of eastern and southern province, but a recent campaign to promote the afghani he re is gaining momentum.
Meanwhile, residents in Gardez, provincial capital of Paktia province, complain the shopkeepers are taking negative advantage of the situation by exploiting the difference in the values of the two currencies in their favor.
In conversation with Salam Watandar, the Gardez residents said the traders are selling goods for the same price in afghanis as it was in rupees. For instance, a kilogram of beans was previously sold at rupees 160 per kilo, now the same is sold against 160 afghanis per kilo instead of 90 afghanis.
The locals said they are in favor of promoting the afghani and get rid of the rupees, but the government should make sure the citizens are not exploited in this regard.
Abdullah Hasrat, spokesman for the provincial governor, told Salam Watandar a joint commission has been formed to monitor the situation. He stressed the traders have been directed not to exploit the customers amid campaign against the rupees. He hoped things would improve with time.
According to the officials, those found guilty of taking negative advantage of the situation would be fined.
ENDS
