Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday directed authorities to accelerate exports of surplus food items to Gulf countries while ensuring an uninterrupted domestic supply, and called for a comprehensive plan to expand flight operations and enhance port efficiency in view of the evolving regional situation.
Chairing a high-level review meeting at the Prime Minister’s House on the supply of food commodities to Gulf states and Pakistan’s maritime and logistics preparedness, the prime minister expressed satisfaction over the strategy formulated and progress achieved so far to support the region’s food security needs, a Prime Minister’s Office news release said. He appreciated the performance of relevant ministries and officials and instructed all departments concerned to remain in close coordination with Gulf countries regarding their food requirements.
Referring to disruptions in global supply chains amid the current regional situation, the prime minister said Pakistan had a responsibility to help meet the food needs of friendly Gulf nations, adding that exports should be expedited without affecting domestic availability of essential commodities.
He emphasized strict monitoring of demand and supply of food items within the country and warned that delays in decision-making at the institutional level would not be tolerated, directing authorities to ensure accountability in case of negligence.
The prime minister also instructed preparation of a comprehensive plan to increase flight operations at key international airports, including those in Karachi and Gwadar, to facilitate exports and improve connectivity.
During the briefing, the meeting was informed that a special committee had approved 40 food items for export to Gulf countries, including rice, edible oil, sugar, meat, poultry, powdered milk, dairy products, fruits and vegetables.
The officials said a database of exporters had been prepared, while exports of vegetables, fruits and meat would be facilitated without additional charges. Open sea and air routes were being utilized to enhance shipments, and business-to-business meetings and webinars with Gulf partners were also being organized to promote trade.
The meeting was further informed that port operations at Karachi and Port Qasim remained fully functional during the Eid holidays, while amendments had been introduced in customs rules to allow transhipment handling at off-dock terminals to increase capacity.
Transportation charges at ports had been reduced by up to 60 percent and export facilitation desks had been activated to support exporters. Ships carrying crude oil were also being given priority berthing at ports to ensure smooth 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.