An review meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was held at the Prime Minister’s House to assess measures related to food exports to Gulf countries, port operations, and maritime logistics amid the evolving regional situation.
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The prime minister expressed satisfaction over the strategy devised to supply essential food items to Gulf states and appreciated the performance of relevant departments. He directed authorities to maintain close coordination to ensure that the food security needs of Gulf nations are met efficiently.
Highlighting global supply chain disruptions, he stated that Pakistan must play its role in supporting friendly countries while ensuring that domestic food availability remains unaffected. He also stressed strict monitoring of supply and demand, warning that delays in decision-making would not be tolerated.
During the meeting, officials briefed participants that a special committee has approved the export of 40 essential food items, including rice, sugar, edible oil, meat, poultry, dairy products, fruits, and vegetables. A comprehensive database of exporters has also been prepared to streamline operations.
Authorities further informed that no additional charges will be imposed on the export of perishable items such as fruits, vegetables, and meat, while both air and sea routes will remain operational. Business-to-business engagements and webinars are also being conducted to strengthen trade ties with Gulf countries.
The meeting also reviewed port operations, noting that Karachi Port and Port Qasim remained fully functional during Eid holidays. To enhance transshipment capacity, off-dock terminals have been permitted to handle cargo, customs regulations have been revised, and port transportation charges have been reduced by up to 60 percent.
Additionally, the prime minister directed the formulation of a comprehensive plan to increase flight operations at key airports, including Jinnah International Airport and Gwadar International Airport, to support export logistics.
The meeting was attended by senior cabinet members, including Ishaq Dar, Khawaja Asif, Ahsan Iqbal, Azam Nazeer Tarar, Ahad Khan Cheema, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Rana Tanveer Hussain, Attaullah Tarar, Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, and Haroon Akhtar.
