A video from the Pakistani parliament has gone viral an MP is seen holding up a tomato and saying, “It was very difficult to bring this tomato here. Thanks to our colleague Farukh Sahib for arranging it. This tomato costs Rs 75.”
(Watch video here )
While the moment drew laughter inside parliament, the reality outside is far from funny. That same tomato now costs nearly Rs 600 per kilo, a 400% surge in just one month.
Not Just Tomatoes: A Kitchen in Crisis
This isn’t just about one vegetable — it’s a snapshot of Pakistan’s worsening cost-of-living crisis.
According to leading Pakistani daily The Express Tribune, garlic has reached Rs 400 per kilo, ginger Rs 750, onions Rs 120, peas Rs 500, while even capsicum and okra are selling for Rs 300 a kilo. Coriander — once given away free with grocery purchases — now costs Rs 50 a bunch.
Everyday cooking has turned into a financial struggle. In a country where tomatoes are used in almost every curry-based dish, families are being forced to rethink what they can afford to eat.
The Fallout of War
The sharp rise in prices is one of the most visible consequences of the recent war between Pakistan and Afghanistan. With key border crossings closed and trade suspended since October 11, supply chains have been disrupted, leaving essential commodities scarce and expensive.
The disruption has exposed how deeply dependent Pakistan’s markets are on cross-border trade for basic produce and how quickly everyday life can unravel when that flow stops.
When Survival Replaces Choice
Inside parliament, lawmakers joked about needing loans to buy tomatoes. Outside, millions of households are facing a grim reality what was once a staple has become a luxury.
For many Pakistanis, this isn’t just about inflation anymore. It’s about survival.
