Islamabad, Oct 22 – Tomato prices in Raw Khwair come to a staggering Rs 600 per kilogram as the whole country’s vegetable market hardens. Farmers and traders say the spike follows a sharp drop in supply from Afghanistan, thanks to the recent flare‑up along the Pak‑Afghan border.
“The market is squeezed – demand is high but tomatoes are simply not arriving from Afghanistan,” said Ghulam Qadir, president of Rawalpindi’s Sabzi Mandi Traders Union. “Until the supply chain stabilises, the price will stay high.”
The upward trend is hurting other staples too. Small‐scale vendors have pulled many items from their shelves because the cost is too steep:
- Garlic – Rs 400/kg
- Ginger – Rs 750/kg
- Onions – Rs 120/kg
- Peas – Rs 500/kg
- Capsicum – Rs 300/kg (down from previous highs)
- Okra – Rs 300/kg
- Cucumbers – Rs 150/kg
- Red carrots – Rs 200/kg
- Lemons – Rs 300/kg
- Coriander – Rs 50 per small bunch (previously free)
Fruits are not spared either. Apples can fetch Rs 250‑350 per kg, grapes Rs 400‑600, pomegranates Rs 400, guava Rs 170, and a solitary coconut costs Rs 400. Sweet oranges and bananas are priced at Rs 250‑300 and Rs 150‑200 per dozen, respectively.
The price surge is tied to political tensions. Islamabad’s recent airstrikes on Afghan territory and the mass deportation of Afghan refugees have raised security concerns. In turn, the Taliban’s latest statement in Afghanistan underscores a ceasefire focused on “mutual respect, avoidance of attacks on each other’s security forces, civilians, and facilities.” The discussion aims to bring dialogue instead of escalation.
Vendors also note that cheaper vegetables from the Wagah border in India are still available, but imports from Iran fail to meet consumer taste. While the Indian route offers low prices, many customers prefer local produce.
As the volatile situation escalates, Pakistani consumers face higher food bills. Economists warn that the food‑price inflation could strain budgets across the country, especially in low‑income households. The government has yet to announce any measures to curb the rising prices or to restore the disrupted supply chain from Afghanistan.
Source: ianslive
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