Pakistan hit hard as Afghan border closure sends tomato prices soaring 400% in the country

Tomato prices in Pakistan have surged by more than 400 per cent, leaving consumers across the country reeling under inflationary pressure. The steep rise follows the closure of Pakistan's two key border crossings with Afghanistan -- Torkham in the northwest and Chaman in the southwest -- after recent armed clashes between the forces of the two neighbouring nations. As per reports, the border shutdown has choked the import of tomatoes and other perishable commodities, which traditionally help bridge supply gaps when domestic production falls short. With supplies halted, tomato prices have soared to as high as 600 Pakistani rupees per kilogram in several retail markets, particularly in Islamabad and other major cities.

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