The suspension of food trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan for the past two weeks has halted the import and export of vegetables, fruits, dry fruits, and other essential goods, sharply increasing food inflation in Rawalpindi and Islamabad markets.
Market data shows tomato prices have reached Rs450 per kilogram, garlic Rs600, ginger Rs800, peas Rs400, onions Rs180, and radish Rs150. Fruit prices have also risen steeply, with Kandhari pomegranates selling at Rs450 per kg and grapes from Chaman surpassing Rs550.
Traders said the closure of key border crossings, including Chaman, Torkham, Kharlachi, Ghulam Khan, Bab-e-Dosti, Kurram, and both Waziristan routes, has disrupted the flow of Afghan produce, leaving hundreds of trucks stranded on both sides. Many containers carrying perishable goods have reportedly spoiled.
Supplies from Afghanistan — typically including tomatoes, apples, grapes, pomegranates, and dry fruits — have stopped entirely despite being peak harvest season. The suspension has driven domestic shortages, while recent floods have destroyed local crops, compounding the supply crisis.
Meanwhile, chicken prices have declined due to the halt in poultry smuggling to Afghanistan, but the costs of beef, mutton, milk, and bread have risen. Dairy vendors announced that from November, milk prices will increase from Rs220 to Rs240 per litre, and yoghurt from Rs240 to Rs260 per kilogram. Mutton now sells for Rs2,500 per kg and beef for Rs1,500 per kg.
District administration sources said they are monitoring the situation but confirmed that the 14-day trade disruption has severely impacted market stability, with inflation expected to continue if border closures persist.
