Pak-Afghan Border Closed, Prices of Commodities Skyrocket
- Essential Commodities See Record Price Rise After Border Shutdown
- Tomato and Apple Prices Surge Amid Ongoing Pak-Afghan Tensions
The closure of the Pakistan-Afghanistan border has caused severe hardship for citizens of both countries, as the prices of daily essentials continue to surge. The border has remained closed since October 11 following clashes, and the disruption in transport has directly led to soaring commodity costs.
According to reports, the prices of fruits, vegetables, minerals, wheat, rice, sugar, meat, dairy products, and medicines have sharply increased in both nations. Tomatoes, a key kitchen staple, have seen one of the steepest jumps.
Local media reported that the current price of a kilo of tomatoes in Pakistan has reached 700 Pakistani rupees, nearly five times higher than before the border closure. Apple prices, mostly dependent on imports from Afghanistan, have also risen significantly.
Khan Jan Alokozai, head of the Pak-Afghan Chamber of Commerce in Kabul, said that trade between the two countries is valued at $2.3 billion annually. However, because of the ongoing conflict, the transport and exchange of goods have been halted.
“About 5,000 containers of goods from Afghanistan to Pakistan have been damaged,” he said. Alokozai also noted that another 5,000 containers remain stranded on both sides of the border, resulting in daily losses of about $1 million (around Rs. 8 crore) to traders and governments alike.
The extended border closure has disrupted not only trade but also livelihoods, as small businesses dependent on cross-border imports face collapse. Meanwhile, consumers are struggling to afford basic food products as prices of essentials spiral. Authorities have yet to announce when trade will resume, leaving uncertainty for millions affected by the standoff.
Now you can get the latest stories from Indtoday on Telegram every day. Click the link to subscribe. Click to follow Indtoday’s Facebook page, Twitter, and Instagram. For all the latest Hyderabad News updates
