Twin cities face severe food crisis

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.

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Protests disrupt court proceedings

our correspondent

RAWALPINDI. Due to police deployments for security duties during the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protests, no inmates from Adiala Jail were presented in Rawalpindi and Islamabad courts on Monday.

This disruption affected 9,692 cases in session, civil, magistrate, family, and special courts, which had to adjourn hearings without any proceedings.

By 10am, the courts were largely empty, with no inmates or significant public attendance.

Even those granted bail could not appear due to blocked roads, while court staff attendance was notably low as many employees struggled to reach offices.

Women involved in family cases also faced difficulties appearing in court.

Police and jail guards revealed that security duties had taken precedence over transporting inmates.

Vehicles typically used for this purpose were repurposed as prison vans for protest-related deployments. Officials confirmed that inmates would not be presented in courts on Tuesday, November 26, either, and a decision about Wednesday's proceedings would depend on the evolving political situation and police resources.

Lawyers said courts will refrain from issuing significant orders in cases until the situation stabilizes.