The shop in Peshawar that helps those in need to shop for free

Peshawar shopkeeper Mohammad Imran Asad lets those who are struggling buy whatever they need for free

This article first appeared on our partner site, Independent Urdu

“A group of us friends would collect 100 rupees a day, and after buying a few sets of clothes and some shoes, we decided to start a shop. Now, we also have a lot of stock that is donated by benefactors, and this is all freely available to those in need”, Peshawar shopkeeper Mohammad Imran Asad told Independent Urdu.

Imran runs a local medical store, however, he decided to open a shop near his home in order to help the poorest members of society.

At the shop, there was a rush of local men, women and children.

The store had yet to open but everyone was hoping to be first in line when it did. After opening the shop, Imran gives each child clothes and shoes according to their size while other customers search for clothes in their own size.

Imran said that he got the idea of opening the shop when he thought about the coming winter months when many workers especially labourers can’t afford warm clothes for their children and families. He said: “This is why I opened the shop. Those in need come and take items in their size for free”.

When asked about where he gets his stock, he said that generous people bring in items, and he uses money from donations to buy the rest. “We get most of our clothes and sweaters from the flea market, but the children’s shoes are donated by people and are also brand-new. Some people send in other items that they have lying around and are in good condition”, said Imran.

He explained that apart from clothes and shoes, he also stocks grocery items such as flour and oil for widowed women. He added: “We keep a list of these widows, and provide them with essentials."

Translated by Tooba Ali; Edited & Proofread by Celine Assaf