Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a high-level meeting in Islamabad on March 25 to review Pakistan’s strategy for supplying food items to Gulf countries facing shortages. The meeting assessed port and maritime operations amid evolving regional challenges.
The premier expressed satisfaction with the progress of the food export strategy, praising the efforts 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, particularly as global supply chains remain disrupted.
Sharif instructed that exports of surplus food items, including rice, cooking oil, sugar, meat, poultry, powdered milk, dairy products, fruits, and vegetables, be accelerated without affecting domestic availability. He emphasized strict monitoring of supply and demand within the country to safeguard local consumption.
To support the export push, the prime minister called for a comprehensive plan to increase flight operations at major airports, including Karachi and Gwadar. Both air and sea routes will be utilized, alongside business-to-business engagements and webinars with Gulf partners. Port operations at Karachi and Port Qasim remain fully functional, with enhanced logistics capacity and reduced transportation charges to support traders.
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