Business Recorder
ISLAMABAD: The virtual lockdown imposed weeks ahead of the second round of US-Iran peace talks has led to a slowdown in economic activity in twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, with demand for essential food items such as vegetables and fruits declining by nearly 50 percent. However, no shortages or significant price increases were reported in the twin cities, and markets continued operating normally despite reduced customer turnout. An anecdotal survey conducted by Business Recorder indicated that supply and prices of essential vegetables remained stable, even with fewer customers at Sabzi Mandi, Sunday bazaars, and other markets. Vendors reported a noticeable decrease in buyers. Awais Qarni, Spokesman for the Chairman Market Committee Office, Islamabad, said that registered fruit and vegetable suppliers, along with district authorities, faced no restrictions from law enforcement. “No shortages or abnormal price increases were reported for any item,” he added. He noted that prices of vegetables and fruits had risen a few weeks ago due to higher diesel costs but had since declined to some extent. Many vendors, who usually come from the outskirts of Islamabad, were unable to reach the markets due to limited public transport. Those who managed to reach reported fewer buyers. “On normal days, there are 8 to 10 vendors of tomatoes, ginger, and garlic, but currently only four are present, and buyers are scarce,” said one regular seller. Some suppliers also indicated that transporters were less willing to supply fruits and vegetables because of reduced demand. The situation in Sunday bazaars was similar, with most fruits and vegetables available at pre-lockdown rates, except for watermelon. Prices in the Sunday Bazar of G-6 Sector included: potatoes at Rs40 per kg, onions at Rs60, ridge gourd at Rs100, ladyfinger at Rs80, bananas at Rs200 per dozen, melon at Rs150-200 per kg, and strawberries at Rs400 per kg. Vendors reported selling less than half of their usual stock due to lower footfall. The situation in Rawalpindi mirrored that in Islamabad, with a noticeable drop in customers due to strict security measures implemented by the district administration weeks in advance of tentative US-Iran peace talks. However, no shortages of edible items, including vegetables and fruits, were reported, and markets remained largely well-stocked despite heightened security measures and reduced customer turnout. Suleman Khan, a vendor at Rawalpindi’s Commercial Market, said customer turnout had declined due to the virtual lockdown and heightened security in the city. Asmatullah Khan, another vendor at Shakrial Market, adjacent to the Islamabad Expressway, noted that the area was particularly affected because of its proximity to the main route towards Islamabad, where stricter security measures had been enforced. Business activity was also affected in bus stations because major bus terminals in Faizabad, G-9 Markaz, and Pirwadhai were temporarily closed, further reducing vendors’ sales. The decline in demand coincided with government employees working from home and residents visiting their ancestral homes in nearby villages and towns, due to the forthcoming second round of talks between the US and Iran. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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