ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has instructed relevant authorities to hasten the export of surplus food items to Gulf countries while ensuring that domestic food needs are not compromised. The directive came during a review meeting on the export of essential food items and Pakistan’s maritime operations, held in Islamabad.

According to Radio Pakistan, the Prime Minister expressed satisfaction with the strategy for supplying food items to Gulf countries and the progress made so far. He commended the efforts of the departments involved and emphasized the importance of maintaining close contact with Gulf nations to meet their food security requirements. In light of the current regional situation affecting global supply lines, Sharif highlighted Pakistan’s responsibility to support the food needs of Gulf countries.

The Prime Minister stressed the importance of monitoring the demand and supply of food items to safeguard domestic needs and warned against delays in government-level decision-making. He announced that any responsible for delays would be held accountable. Additionally, Sharif directed the preparation of a comprehensive plan to increase flight operations at major airports, including Karachi and Gwadar.

During the meeting, officials briefed on the export measures, noting that a special committee approved forty food items for export, such as rice, edible oil, sugar, and dairy products. A database of exporters trading with Gulf countries has been developed, and no additional charges will be levied on the export of vegetables, fruits, and meat. Exports will proceed via both air and sea routes, with business-to-business meetings and webinars organized with Gulf nations.

Participants were informed that Karachi and Bin Qasim ports remained fully operational during Eid holidays, with increased transshipment capacity through off-dock terminals following necessary customs rule amendments. Transportation charges at ports have been reduced by up to sixty percent, export facilitation desks established, and priority berthing granted to vessels carrying crude oil.