Pakistan, Oct. 22 -- Vegetable and fruit prices in Rawalpindi have surged sharply, with tomatoes hitting an unprecedented Rs600 per kilogram in suburban areas. Small vendors have stopped selling key items such as tomatoes, peas, ginger, and garlic due to unaffordable wholesale rates. Experts attribute the soaring prices to reduced vegetable production, rapid population growth, and inadequate storage facilities, which have disrupted supply chains across the region.

President of the Sabzi Mandi Traders Union, Ghulam Qadir, stated that the shortage of tomato supply has been worsened by the halt in imports from Afghanistan. "Until the supply is fully restored, prices will remain high," he warned. The recent escalation of tensions along the P...