'One Tomato Costs Rs 75': Huge Uproar In Pakistan Parliament, Demand To Seek India Help Grows

Last Updated:October 28, 2025, 12:06 IST

In Kabul, 500 containers of vegetables meant for export have reportedly spoiled, while a Pakistani official noted 5,000 containers stuck at Torkham, causing shortages

The growing demand for a 'tomato loan' and the uproar in Parliament highlight the depth of Pakistan’s crisis. (News18 Hindi)

Rising inflation in Pakistan has sparked significant distress among its citizens, with essential goods experiencing considerable price hikes. The cost of tomato has surged to Rs 600 per kilogram, marking a staggering 400% increase, which has left the populace troubled.

This issue has led to chaotic scenes in Parliament, where demands for ‘tomato loans’ are being voiced, alongside nostalgic memories of inexpensive imports from India.

A video circulating shows a Pakistani MP highlighting the exorbitant tomato prices, remarking, “I brought this tomato here with great difficulty. Thanks to our MP Farukh Sahib, who managed to get this tomato. This tomato costs Rs 75."

Why Are Tomato Prices Skyrocketing?

The spike in prices has been attributed to the closure of the Pakistan-Afghanistan border due to heavy clashes and Pakistani airstrikes since October 11. The border shutdown has halted trade along the 2,600-kilometre frontier, causing essential goods prices to soar.

According to Reuters, Khan Jan Alokozay, head of the Pak-Afghan Chamber of Commerce, stated, “Each day, both countries are losing about 1 million dollars." The halted annual trade of 23 billion dollars encompasses fresh fruits, vegetables, minerals, medicines, wheat, rice, sugar, meat, and dairy products, leading to a significant price increase in Pakistan. As a result, tomato prices in Pakistan have soared to Rs 600 per kilogram.

The Express Tribune reports that garlic is now Rs 400 per kilo, ginger Rs 750, onions Rs 120, peas Rs 500, capsicum and okra Rs 300, cucumber Rs 150, local carrots Rs 200, and lemons Rs 300 per kilo. Even coriander, once free, is now sold in small bundles for Rs 50.

Crisis On The Border

In Kabul, Alokozay told Reuters, “We had 500 containers of vegetables ready for export every day, but now all have spoiled.’ A Pakistani official at the Torkham border noted that 5,000 containers are stuck on both sides, causing a shortage of tomatoes, apples, and grapes in the market.

Uproar In Parliament

The crisis has triggered a major uproar in Pakistan’s Parliament, with the opposition blaming the government for its failure to control prices. Some lawmakers, recalling the days of affordable imports from India, even called for a “tomato loan," a remark that began as satire but reflects genuine public distress. Videos circulating on Instagram show citizens chanting, “Tomatoes used to come from India, where have they gone now?"

The growing demand for a “tomato loan" and the uproar in Parliament highlight the depth of Pakistan’s crisis. The losses caused by the border closure have reignited memories of India’s cheaper supplies.

News world 'One Tomato Costs Rs 75': Huge Uproar In Pakistan Parliament, Demand To Seek India Help Grows

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