Afghan Fruit and Vegetable Importers Blame New Taxes for Price Surge

Islamabad:Importers and traders of fruits and vegetables from Afghanistan have attributed the recent spike in prices to new, heavy taxes imposed on these goods.

According to traders, the new taxes on various vegetables and fruits imported from Afghanistan have caused prices to soar, making it increasingly difficult for them to sell their products. They argue that the high taxes are a major factor behind the inflation, leading to reduced supply and financial strain on both traders and consumers.

Malik Sohni, President of the All Pakistan Agricultural Producers Traders Federation, stated that taxes have been levied on essential vegetables such as tomatoes, cabbage, and cucumbers, as well as fruits like apricots, watermelons, and pomegranates. He also mentioned that the tax burden has significantly reduced the availability of grapes.

Sohni pointed out that these items, which are predominantly imported from Afghanistan, are now out of reach for many consumers due to the increased costs. The taxes have ranged from 1000% to 2500%, leading to a reduction in the number of trucks and trailers transporting these goods from 500 to approximately 100 to 150.

He recommended that the government consult with market traders and importers to address the issue of these taxes and find a solution to mitigate their impact.