Pashtun elders ban usury, drug trade

BAJAUR AGENCY: The tribal elders of Bajaur Agency have decided to ban moneylending and impose a penalty of Rs3 million on anyone running interest-based businesses. The elders made the decision during a meeting with senior officials of local administration. Political Agent Abdul Amir Khattak chaired the jirga, which was attended by scores of elders of various tribes and religious leaders. The tribal leaders also agreed to ban sale and purchase of narcotics in their respective areas.  Participants of the Jriga expressed concern over growing trade of narcotics, fake medicines and interest-based business.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 1^st, 2017.