The twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad are facing a severe food crisis due to road closures prompted by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) march on the capital.
These closures have severely disrupted the supply of essential goods, including fruits, vegetables, and other staples. The major wholesale fruit and vegetable markets have been closed for three consecutive days, further exacerbating the shortages.
The supply halt affects Rawalpindi’s urban and suburban areas the district’s seven tehsils, and Murree.
Authorities have warned that the situation could worsen significantly if the supply chain is not restored within 24 hours.
Read: Escalating Tensions as PTI Convoys Continue March to Islamabad
While flour mills have reported sufficient stocks, their distribution has been completely disrupted. Similarly, fruit and vegetable markets are paralyzed due to the halt in deliveries, leaving local shops and bazaars empty.
Traders with dwindling stocks have raised prices significantly, up to Rs100. Even items like coriander, usually given as a free garnish, now sell for Rs100 per bundle. The price of tomatoes has surged to Rs300 per kilogram.
The crisis extends beyond produce. Milk deliveries from districts like Sargodha and Bhakkar have stopped, leading to a sharp decline in availability.
Non-packaged milk now costs Rs260 per litre, and the prices of packaged milk have also risen.
Wholesale markets, typically bustling with activity, now stand deserted. Shopkeepers and street vendors with any remaining stock are taking advantage of the situation by charging high prices.
In light of the halted supplies, price control magistrates have ceased operations against price gouging.
Fuel shortage feared in Islamabad, Punjab cities amid road closures
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— Geo English (@geonews_english) November 25, 2024With no immediate resolution in sight, residents of the twin cities are struggling to secure necessities.
Read: Violent Clashes Erupt in Islamabad as PTI Protests Intensify
