Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to closely monitor the supply and demand of food items across the country to ensure national food security while exploring opportunities to export surplus produce to Gulf markets.
Chairing a meeting on the country’s food situation and export prospects in light of evolving regional conditions, the prime minister was informed that Pakistan currently has adequate stocks of essential food commodities and there is no shortage of major items in the domestic market.
The prime minister said disruptions in global supply chains have created new opportunities for Pakistani agricultural products in regional markets. He instructed officials to formulate a comprehensive strategy to export surplus food items to Gulf countries while ensuring that domestic food requirements remain fully protected.
He also emphasized maintaining high-quality standards for food exports and directed authorities to prioritize the food requirements of Gulf states. In addition, the prime minister instructed the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation to take necessary measures to facilitate food exports through sea routes.
Officials briefed the meeting that Pakistan’s agriculture sector, including crops, meat, poultry, dairy and seafood, has significant export potential. The prime minister also ordered the formation of a committee to review the situation on a daily basis and directed Pakistan’s ambassadors and trade officers in Gulf countries to actively promote food exports.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Federal Ministers Jam Kamal Khan, Rana Tanveer Hussain and Ahsan Iqbal, Special Assistant Haroon Akhtar, senior officials, provincial chief secretaries and representatives from relevant private sector associations.
