Tomato costs in Pakistan have spiked by 400% after the closure of key Afghan border crossings disrupted imports. The Torkham and Chaman shutdowns have left 1000’s of containers stranded and prompted a pointy rise in meals inflation.
Tomato costs in Pakistan have surged by greater than 400 per cent, leaving customers throughout the nation reeling beneath inflationary strain. The steep rise follows the closure of Pakistan’s two key border crossings with Afghanistan — Torkham within the northwest and Chaman within the southwest — after latest armed clashes between the forces of the 2 neighbouring nations. As per experiences, the border shutdown has choked the import of tomatoes and different perishable commodities, which historically assist bridge provide gaps when home manufacturing falls quick. With provides halted, tomato costs have soared to as excessive as 600 Pakistani rupees per kilogram in a number of retail markets, significantly in Islamabad and different main cities.
Imports from Afghanistan hit laborious
Pakistan depends closely on imports from Afghanistan for contemporary produce, together with tomatoes and apples. The continuing border standoff has prompted important disruptions to this commerce. Studies point out that round 5,000 containers loaded with items are presently stranded on each side of the border, worsening the provision disaster. Apples, one other key Afghan export, are additionally witnessing sharp worth hikes in Pakistan’s native markets.
Ceasefire holds however commerce nonetheless frozen
The border clashes reportedly erupted after Islamabad accused Kabul of failing to rein in militants allegedly working from Afghan territory and finishing up assaults inside Pakistan. The Taliban authorities has strongly denied these allegations. Following talks hosted by Qatar and Turkey, each side agreed to a ceasefire final weekend which continues to carry. Nevertheless, the resumption of cross-border commerce stays unsure. A contemporary spherical of negotiations between the 2 international locations is scheduled to happen in Istanbul on October 25.
Pakistan-Taliban tensions
Amid escalating tensions between the Taliban and Islamabad, the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has issued a risk to Pakistan’s Military Chief, Area Marshal Asim Munir. In a collection of movies launched by the TTP, one in every of their high commanders warned that the Pakistani military ought to chorus from sending troopers to get killed and as an alternative, high officers ought to lead themselves to the battlefield. The movies additionally function battlefield footage from an October 8 ambush in Kurram, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, during which the TTP claims 22 Pakistani troopers had been killed. The footage reveals captured ammunition and automobiles. Nevertheless, the official Pakistani file reported fewer casualties, with the military confirming 11 troopers killed within the assault.
TTP commander points an open risk to Munir
In one of many movies, a senior TTP commander, recognized by Pakistani officers as Commander Kazim, seems on digital camera and says, “Allah has given weapons to the mujahideen. This battle will proceed. If you’re actually males who’ve drunk your mom’s milk, do not ship abnormal troopers like sheep and goats; it’s best to come yourselves. Then we’ll educate you a style of battle. We’ll present you the right way to battle a battle.” On October 21, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa authorities in Pakistan introduced a bounty of 100 crore Pakistani rupees (PKR) on Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan commander Kazim. He’s believed to be concerned within the latest killings of a military lieutenant colonel and a serious and can also be accused of plotting the assassination of Kurram Deputy Commissioner Javedullah Mehsud.
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