ISLAMABAD – Border closures between Pakistan and Afghanistan have caused a sharp surge in the prices of essential commodities, with tomato prices rising fivefold since clashes erupted along the 2,600km frontier earlier this month.
The border has remained closed since October 11 following ground skirmishes and Pakistani airstrikes that killed dozens in the worst fighting since the Taliban’s 2021 takeover of Kabul. Trade and transit between the two nations have been completely blocked, according to Khan Jan Alokozay, head of the Pak-Afghan Chamber of Commerce in Kabul.
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“With each passing day, both sides are losing around $1 million,” Alokozay said, adding that nearly 5,000 containers of goods are stranded on both sides. Perishable goods, including vegetables, have largely spoiled, with Pakistan’s markets now facing shortages of tomatoes, apples, and grapes.
Tomato prices have skyrocketed by over 400%, reaching Rs600 ($2.13) per kilogram, while apples—mainly imported from Afghanistan—are also seeing steep hikes. The trade disruption affects a $2.3 billion annual trade volume involving fruits, vegetables, minerals, medicines, wheat, rice, and dairy products.
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The recent clashes reportedly began after Pakistan demanded Kabul curb cross-border militants, a charge the Taliban denies. Although a ceasefire brokered by Qatar and Turkey is currently holding, trade remains suspended. Further talks between the two sides are scheduled for October 25 in Istanbul.