Tomato Crisis: Pakistan Reels After Afghan Border Closure

Tomato Crisis: The price of a kg of tomato has suddenly skyrocketed in Pakistan. After the border closure, a kg of tomato is now being sold for up to Rs 600 in the market in Pakistan. This abnormal price hike is not only affecting the common buyers but also the entire economic balance of the country.
Why the sudden increase in prices, where the price of tomatoes was Rs 100-150 per kg just a few weeks ago? The main reason seems to be the closure of the border with Afghanistan, the border through which a large part of Pakistan’s fruits and vegetables were imported. This crisis has now become a harsh reality for consumers in the daily market.
In this article, we will find out in detail why this price hike has happened, how the decision to close the border has affected the market, and what it means for Pakistan’s agriculture and economy in the future.

Why was the border closed with Afghanistan?

Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have been tense for a long time. The recent border closure is due to security concerns and clashes in the border areas. Afghan authorities have alleged that Pakistani forces have deployed additional troops along the border, which has hampered trade between the two countries.
On the other hand, Pakistan claims that this measure has been taken to stop illegal infiltration and arms smuggling from Afghanistan.
But the economic disaster caused by this measure is now the biggest topic of discussion.

Tomato crisis: A picture of the Pakistani market

After the border closure, tomatoes are now known as ‘red gold’ in Pakistan! The price of tomatoes is increasing every day in the markets of various cities, including the capital, Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore.

• Islamabad: Rs 550-600 per kg
• Lahore: Rs 500 per kg
• Karachi: Rs 550 per kg
• Peshawar: Rs 580 per kg

Due to the increase in prices, many restaurants and hotels have reduced the serving of dishes made with tomatoes, such as salads, sauces, and curries. The common man is turning to canned tomato puree or dried tomatoes as an alternative, which are again more expensive and of lower quality.

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Why is Pakistan so dependent on tomato imports?

Pakistan is an agricultural country, but it is not completely self-sufficient in tomato production.
Some provinces of the country—such as Balochistan and Sindh—produce tomatoes, but not enough to meet the demand throughout the year.
Pakistan usually imports a large amount of tomatoes from Afghanistan between the winter and summer seasons. Due to the border closure, this supply suddenly stops, resulting in a shortage in the market.

The main reasons are:

• Weather problems: Local tomato cultivation has decreased due to irregular rainfall and rising temperatures.
• Transportation crisis: Due to the border closure, truck movement has stopped, resulting in tomatoes rotting.
• Corruption and hoarding: Taking advantage, traders are creating an artificial crisis.

Impact on the economy

Tomato is not only an essential ingredient in the kitchen, but it is also a kind of ‘economic indicator’. When its price increases, the prices of other vegetables usually follow.

Experts say that after the border closure, not only food prices but also overall inflation will increase in Pakistan. Pakistan’s annual inflation rate has already reached 30%, one of the highest in South Asia.
According to economists:

• The rising price of tomatoes is putting additional pressure on food costs.
• Poor families are losing access to nutritious food.
• It will take time for local farmers to increase production, which could prolong the crisis.

Common people’s reaction

Pakistani citizens are making various comments on social media about the price of tomatoes. Many wrote, “Now when I go to buy tomatoes, I feel like I’m buying jewelry.”
Others said, “I don’t cook with tomatoes, now I have to work just by looking at their pictures!”
Despite the humor, there is a stark reality behind it—the cost of daily life is rising, and many families are now having to cut their budgets.

What steps is the government taking?

The Pakistani government has said that diplomatic talks are underway with Afghanistan to open the border quickly.

At the same time, local farmers are being encouraged to increase tomato cultivation.

However, this initiative will take time to implement.
Until then, an alternative could be to try importing tomatoes from countries like Iran or India—although that is not easy due to political relations.

The price of tomatoes in Pakistan, which has reached Rs 600 per kg after the border closure, is not just a food crisis—it is an economic warning.
This incident is a clear example of how a country’s border policy and the balance of agricultural dependence can affect the lives of ordinary people.
Unless a plan is put in place to reopen trade and increase local production as soon as possible, Pakistan’s markets could see even greater inflation.