PM reviews Gulf food export plan, orders faster decisions, port efficiency

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday chaired a high-level meeting to review the supply of food items to Gulf countries and assess Pakistan’s ports and maritime operations in the context of the prevailing regional situation. The prime minister expressed satisfaction over the strategy devised for supplying food items to Gulf states and the progress made so far, commending the performance of the relevant departments and officials involved. He directed all concerned departments to remain in close coordination with Gulf countries regarding the provision of required food items and their food security. Referring to the current regional situation and disruption in global supply lines, he said meeting the food needs of Gulf countries was Pakistan’s responsibility. Sharif instructed authorities to expedite exports of surplus food items to Gulf markets without affecting domestic food requirements, while ensuring strict monitoring of supply and demand within the country. He warned that delays in decision-making at the government level would not be tolerated and that accountability would be ensured for those responsible. Read: PM Shehbaz bans high-octane fuel in govt vehicles as levy jumps to Rs305 The prime minister also directed the preparation of a comprehensive plan to increase flight operations at Karachi, Gwadar and other major international airports. During the briefing, officials informed the meeting that a special committee formed to promote exports to Gulf countries had approved 40 food items for export. These include rice, cooking oil, sugar, meat, poultry, dry milk, dairy products, fruits and vegetables. A database of exporters has also been prepared, while no additional charges will be imposed on the export of vegetables, fruits and meat. Officials said both air and sea open routes would be utilised for food exports, alongside business-to-business meetings and webinars with Gulf partners. The meeting was further told that Karachi and Port Qasim remained fully operational during Eid ul-Fitr holidays. To enhance transshipment capacity, off-dock terminals have been allowed to handle transshipment, with necessary amendments made to customs laws. Transport rates at ports have been reduced by up to 60 per cent, and export facilitation desks have been activated. Oil tankers carrying crude oil are being given priority berthing at ports. Read more: PM Shehbaz calls Iranian president, urges de-escalation and return to diplomacy The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja 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 Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Haroon Akhtar Khan, and senior officials.