ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed the authorities to speed up exports of surplus food items to Gulf countries while ensuring that local supplies remain uninterrupted.
Chairing a high-level meeting at the Prime Minister’s House, he also ordered the preparation of a comprehensive plan to expand flight operations and improve port efficiency in view of the changing regional situation.
According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, the meeting reviewed the supply of food commodities to Gulf states as well as Pakistan’s maritime and logistics preparedness.
The prime minister expressed satisfaction over the strategy prepared so far and the progress made to support the food security needs of the Gulf region.
He praised the performance of the relevant ministries and officials and directed all concerned departments to stay in close contact with Gulf countries regarding their food requirements.
Referring to disruptions in global supply chains due to the current regional situation, the prime minister said Pakistan had a responsibility to help meet the food needs of friendly Gulf nations.
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He said exports of surplus food items should be expedited, but stressed that the availability of essential commodities in the domestic market must not be affected.
Shehbaz Sharif also ordered strict monitoring of the demand and supply of food items within the country and warned that delays in official decision-making would not be tolerated.
He directed the authorities to ensure accountability in cases of negligence.
The prime minister further instructed officials to prepare a detailed plan to increase flight operations at major international airports, including Karachi and Gwadar, in order to facilitate exports and improve connectivity.
During the briefing, officials informed the meeting that a special committee had approved 40 food items for export to Gulf countries. These include rice, edible oil, sugar, meat, poultry, powdered milk, dairy products, fruits and vegetables.
The meeting was told that a database of exporters had been prepared, while exports of vegetables, fruits and meat would be facilitated without any additional charges.
Officials said both sea and air routes were being fully used to increase shipments, while business-to-business meetings and webinars with Gulf partners were also being arranged to boost trade.
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The meeting was also informed that port operations at Karachi Port and Port Qasim remained fully operational during the Eid holidays.
Officials said amendments had been made to customs rules to allow transhipment handling at off-dock terminals, which would help increase port capacity.
They added that transportation charges at ports had been reduced by up to 60 percent, while export facilitation desks had been activated to assist exporters.
The meeting was further told that ships carrying crude oil were being given priority berthing at ports to ensure uninterrupted energy supplies.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Khan Cheema, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, National Food Security Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Maritime Affairs Minister Chaudhry Junaid Anwar, SAPM Haroon Akhtar and senior officials attended the meeting.
