Expresses satisfaction with the strategy devised for the supply of food to the Gulf States and with the progress made so far.
Prime Minister Shehbaz chaired a high-level meeting to review the Gulf food export plan, mandate faster decisions and port efficiency. PHOTO: EXPRESS
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday chaired a high-level meeting to review food supply to Gulf countries and assess Pakistan’s ports and maritime operations in the context of the prevailing regional situation.
The Prime Minister expressed his satisfaction with the strategy devised for the supply of food to the Gulf States and the progress made so far, praising the performance of the departments and officials involved.
He directed all concerned departments to remain in close coordination with the Gulf countries regarding the supply of necessary food items and their food security. Referring to the current regional situation and disruption of global supply lines, he said meeting the food needs of the Gulf countries was Pakistan’s responsibility.
Sharif instructed authorities to accelerate exports of surplus food to Gulf markets without affecting domestic food needs, 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 those responsible would be held accountable.
Read: PM Shehbaz bans high-octane fuel in government vehicles as tax rises to Rs 305
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 the export of 40 food products. These include rice, cooking oil, sugar, meat, poultry, milk powder, 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 open air and sea routes would be used for food exports, along with business-to-business meetings and webinars with Gulf partners.
The meeting was further informed that Karachi and Port Qasim remained fully operational during the Eid ul-Fitr holidays. To improve transshipment capacity, off-dock terminals have been allowed to handle transshipment, and necessary amendments have been made to customs laws.
Freight rates at ports have been reduced by up to 60 percent and export facilitation counters have been activated. Tankers carrying crude oil have priority docking at ports.
Read more: PM Shehbaz calls Iranian president, urges to reduce tension and return to diplomacy
The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Defense 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, Affairs Minister Maritime Affairs, Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, Special Assistant to Prime Minister Haroon Akhtar Khan and senior officials.
