Pakistan to boost food exports to Gulf, enhance logistics amid regional supply concerns

KARACHI: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday directed authorities to accelerate exports of surplus food items to Gulf countries while ensuring uninterrupted domestic supply, as Pakistan positions itself to support regional food security amid evolving geopolitical challenges.
Chairing a high-level review meeting at the Prime Minister’s House, the premier emphasized the need for a coordinated and proactive approach to meet the rising food requirements of friendly Gulf nations, according to an official statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office.
Expressing satisfaction over the strategy formulated so far, the prime minister lauded the efforts of relevant ministries and instructed all departments to maintain close coordination with Gulf countries regarding their import needs.
Referring to disruptions in global supply chains due to the prevailing regional situation, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan had a responsibility to play its part in ensuring food availability for partner countries. He stressed that exports should be expedited without compromising the domestic availability of essential commodities.
He directed authorities to strictly monitor the demand and supply of food items within the country, warning that any delays in decision-making at the institutional level would not be tolerated. The prime minister also called for accountability in cases of negligence.
During the meeting, officials briefed that a special committee had approved 40 food items for export to Gulf countries. These include rice, edible oil, sugar, meat, poultry, powdered milk, dairy products, fruits, and vegetables.
Authorities informed that a comprehensive database of exporters has been prepared, while exports of perishable items such as fruits, vegetables, and meat would be facilitated without additional charges. Open sea and air routes are being utilized to enhance shipment capacity, and business-to-business engagements with Gulf partners are being organized to strengthen trade ties.
The prime minister also directed the preparation of a comprehensive plan to increase flight operations at major international airports, including Karachi and Gwadar, to facilitate exports and improve connectivity.
In addition, port operations at Karachi and Port Qasim remained fully functional during the Eid holidays, ensuring uninterrupted trade activities. Officials noted that amendments have been introduced in customs rules to allow transshipment handling at off-dock terminals, aimed at increasing port capacity.
Transportation charges at ports have been reduced by up to 60 percent, and export facilitation desks have been activated to support exporters. Ships carrying crude oil are also being given priority berthing to ensure smooth energy supplies.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, National Food Security Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Maritime Affairs Minister Chaudhry Junaid Anwar, SAPM Haroon Akhtar, and other senior officials.