Tomatoes hit PKR 600 a kilo as Pak feels the heat after Afghan border clashes

Prices of essential goods have skyrocketed on both sides of the Pakistan-Afghanistan border following ground fighting and Pakistani airstrikes this month, with the cost of tomatoes surging by over 400% since the crossing closed on October 11.

The price of tomatoes, a staple in Pakistani cuisine, has increased more than fivefold, rising to around 600 Pakistani rupees ($2.13) per kilogramme. Apples, largely imported from Afghanistan, are also experiencing a major price surge, further straining household budgets.

$1 million in losses per day

All trade and transit—including fresh fruit, vegetables, medicine, wheat, and dairy products—have been blocked since the hostilities erupted. Khan Jan Alokozay, head of the Pak-Afghan Chamber of Commerce in Kabul, told Reuters that the closure is costing both nations approximately $1 million per day in lost trade.

The annual trade volume between the two countries is estimated at $2.3 billion, and the current blockade has left about 5,000 containers of goods stranded at the border. Alokozay reported that approximately 500 containers of perishable vegetables meant for export are already spoiling.

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The border clashes were reportedly triggered by Islamabad’s demand that Kabul control militants operating from Afghan territory who attack Pakistan. Although a ceasefire was recently agreed upon through talks hosted by Qatar and Turkey, the vital trade corridor remains closed. The next round of negotiations is scheduled for October 25 in Istanbul.