Twin cities face severe food crisis

Vegetable markets in Islamabad & Rawalpindi shut down amid road closures

RAWALPINDI:

The twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad are grappling with a severe food crisis caused by the closure of roads in the wake of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) march on the capital.

The closures have disrupted the supply of essential goods, including fruits, vegetables, and other food staples. Wholesale fruit and vegetable markets also remained shut on Monday for the third consecutive day, amplifying the shortages.

Supplies to Rawalpindi's urban and suburban areas, including the district's seven tehsils and Murree, have also been halted.

Authorities warn that if the supply chain is not restored within 24 hours, the crisis could escalate dramatically.

Although flour mills report ample stock, distribution has come to a standstill. Similarly, the fruit and vegetable markets have been paralysed due to the suspension of fresh deliveries, leaving neighbourhood shops and bazaars devoid of produce.

Traders with limited stock have hiked prices, with vegetables and fruits seeing a surge of up to Rs100. Even coriander, typically given away as a garnish, is now being sold for Rs100 per bundle. Tomatoes have skyrocketed to Rs300 per kilogram.

The crisis isn't limited to produce. Milk supplies from districts such as Sargodha and Bhakkar have ceased, causing a sharp shortage.

Non-packaged milk is now retailing at Rs260 per litre, and packaged milk prices have also increased.

Wholesale markets, which rely on steady supplies, are eerily deserted. Meanwhile, shopkeepers and street vendors with remaining stocks are capitalising on the crisis by charging exorbitant prices.

In the absence of supplies, price control magistrates have halted operations against profiteering.

With no immediate solution in sight, residents of the twin cities are left scrambling for essentials.