Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday instructed authorities to expedite the export of surplus food items to Gulf countries without affecting domestic supply.
He also called for a comprehensive plan to expand flight operations and enhance port efficiency amid the evolving regional situation.
The directives were issued during a high-level meeting in Islamabad, reviewing food exports and Pakistan’s port and maritime operations.
Officials reported that a special committee approved 40 food items, including rice, edible oil, sugar, meat, poultry, powdered milk, dairy products, fruits, and vegetables, for export.
The meeting emphasized that air and sea routes would be used, and no extra charges would be applied for exporting vegetables, fruits, or meat. A database of exporters for Gulf trade has also been prepared, and business-to-business meetings and webinars with Gulf countries are ongoing.
PM Shehbaz expressed satisfaction with the strategy and progress, urging full coordination with Gulf partners to meet their food security needs.
He warned that any delays in government decision-making would be unacceptable, with responsible officials held accountable.
Other measures discussed included increasing flight operations at Karachi, Gwadar, and other major airports, reducing port transport charges by up to 60 percent, allowing transshipment handling at off-dock terminals, and giving priority berthing to crude oil tankers.
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