ISLAMABAD (MNN); Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday instructed authorities to expedite the export of surplus food items to Gulf countries while maintaining uninterrupted domestic supply. He also called for a comprehensive plan to expand flight operations and enhance port efficiency in light of the evolving regional situation.
The directives were issued during a high-level meeting chaired by the premier to review food exports to the Middle East and Pakistan’s port and maritime operations, according to a handout from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
The meeting was informed that a special committee had approved 40 food items for export to Gulf countries, including rice, edible oil, sugar, meat, poultry, powdered milk, dairy products, fruits, and vegetables. Exports will use both sea and air routes, with no additional charges for vegetables, fruits, and meat.
The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of close coordination with Gulf countries to meet their food security needs and stressed that work on exporting surplus food should be expedited without affecting domestic supplies. He also directed preparation of a comprehensive plan to increase flight operations at Karachi, Gwadar, and other major international airports.
Officials briefed the PM on measures already taken, including creation of a database of exporters for Gulf trade, business-to-business meetings, webinars, and operational status of Karachi and Port Qasim during Eidul Fitr. Amendments to customs rules now allow transshipment handling at off-dock terminals, transport charges at ports have been reduced up to 60 percent, and oil tankers carrying crude oil are being given priority berthing.
The Prime Minister instructed complete monitoring of domestic food supply and warned that any delay in government decision-making would not be tolerated.
