Traders and middlemen importing fruits and vegetables from Afghanistan have attributed the increase in prices to new taxes imposed on these goods.
Middlemen involved in importing vegetables and fruits from Afghanistan claim that substantial taxes have been levied on these items, causing their prices to soar and making it difficult for them to sell their products.
They stated that a major reason for inflation is these heavy new taxes. The higher the taxes, the lower the supply, leading to difficulties for both middlemen and consumers.
Malik Sohni, President of the All Pakistan Agricultural Producers Traders Federation, mentioned that taxes have been imposed on vegetables such as tomatoes, cabbage, and cucumbers, and fruits like apricots, watermelons, and pomegranates. Grapes, too, are available in very limited quantities due to heavy taxation.
He added that all these vegetables and fruits are imported from Afghanistan, and these taxes have reduced the purchasing power of the public.
Malik Sohni noted that taxes on fruits and vegetables range from 1000% to 2500%, and as a result, the number of trucks and trailers has decreased from 500 to around 100-150.
He advised the government to consult with market traders and middlemen to address and resolve the issue of these taxes.
