PM Shehbaz Orders to Rush Food Exports to Gulf Countries Facing Supply Shortage

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a high-level meeting in Islamabad on Wednesday to review Pakistan’s strategy for supplying food items to Gulf countries and assess port and maritime operations amid the evolving regional situation.

The premier expressed satisfaction over the progress made so far in implementing the food export strategy and praised the performance of relevant ministries and officials. He directed authorities to maintain close coordination with Gulf states to ensure uninterrupted supply and support their food security needs, especially as global supply chains remain disrupted.

The prime minister instructed that exports of surplus food items be accelerated without affecting domestic availability. He also ordered strict monitoring of supply and demand within the country to safeguard local consumption.

Sharif said any slowdown in decision-making would not be tolerated and accountability would be ensured. To support the export push, the prime minister called for a comprehensive plan to increase flight operations at key airports in Karachi, Gwadar and other major international hubs.

A special committee has approved 40 food items for export to Gulf countries. These include rice, cooking oil, sugar, meat, poultry, powdered milk, dairy products, fruits, and vegetables.

Authorities have also developed a database of exporters to streamline trade. Both air and sea routes will be utilized to expedite shipments, alongside ongoing business-to-business engagements and webinars with Gulf partners.

The meeting was informed that port operations at the Port of Karachi and Port Qasim remained fully functional during the Eid holidays.

To enhance logistics capacity, transshipment handling has been extended to off-dock terminals following necessary amendments to customs rules. Transportation charges at ports have been reduced by up to 60%, and export facilitation desks have been activated to support traders.

Meanwhile, vessels carrying crude oil are being given priority berthing to ensure energy supply continuity.

The meeting was attended by senior cabinet members, including Ishaq Dar, Khawaja Asif, and Ahsan Iqbal, along with other federal ministers and top officials.