In spite of the tense political situation between Pakistan and India, Indian growers still manage to penetrate the Pakistani market with their produce, particularly the weekly bazaars of the federal capital.
The relations between Pakistan and India have been tense for the last few months due to Indian forces brutal activities in occupied Kashmir, their ceasefire violations at Line of Control and RAW’s involvement in terror acts in Balochistan and other parts of Pakistan.
After a lapse of a few months, a number of vegetables like tomato imported from India are available at the weekly bazaars of Islamabad. A stall-holder at I-9 Weekly Bazaar said that presently, some vegetables like tomato, lady fingers and beans are being imported from the Punjab province of India.
He said he strongly condemns India’s policy towards Kashmir and against Pakistan but they are compelled to bring commodities at weekly bazaars from the wholesale fruits and vegetable market which are available there.
Meanwhile, the prices of vegetables are returning to normal following the transitional period between summer and winter seasons.
However, customers are not satisfied with control by the concerned authorities on prices of commodities at bazaars. For example, almost all the stall-holders at I-9 and H-9 weekly bazaars were selling lemon for Rs120 per kilogram whereas the fixed rate is Rs80. Similarly, a number of other vegetables and fruits were also sold for prices at least 20 per cent to 40 per cent above actual rates.
(1 Indian Rupee=0.015USD)
Source: thenews.com.pk