Prime Minister Shehbaz chairs a meeting on austerity measures. PHOTO: SCREEN CAPTURE
ISLAMABAD:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday ordered special arrangements to help meet food needs in Gulf states where supply chains have been affected by the ongoing war, while ensuring the country’s food security through strict monitoring of supply and demand.
Chairing a meeting to review Pakistan’s food situation and export of surplus products in light of changing regional dynamics, the prime minister directed authorities to maintain full supervision of food supply and demand so that national needs remain fully protected and the public does not face shortages.
The officials briefed the meeting in detail on the country’s existing food reserves, domestic production and export opportunities. The report stated that Pakistan currently has abundant food reserves and there is no shortage of any essential commodities.
The prime minister said disruptions in global supply chains have increased the export potential of Pakistani products in the region, creating new markets and opportunities for the country’s agricultural sector.
The Prime Minister directed that special attention be paid to meeting the food needs of the Gulf countries and ensuring their food security while safeguarding Pakistan’s own domestic needs.
He directed the relevant authorities to prepare a comprehensive strategy to export surplus food to the Gulf states without affecting Pakistan’s domestic food needs, emphasizing that high quality standards must be ensured for food products exported to friendly Gulf countries.
To facilitate the process, the Prime Minister directed the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation to take necessary steps to export food to the Gulf countries through sea routes in order to speed up and expedite deliveries.
The meeting was informed that Pakistan’s agricultural sector, including crops, meat, poultry, dairy products and seafood, has significant production capacity and export potential. The prime minister also ordered the formation of a committee to monitor the situation on a daily basis.
Prime Minister Shehbaz further instructed Pakistani ambassadors and trade officials posted in the Gulf countries to remain proactive in promoting exports and take advantage of emerging opportunities.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and External Affairs Minister Ishaq Dar, federal ministers Jam Kamal Khan, Rana Tanveer Hussain and Ahsan Iqbal, Special Assistant Haroon Akhtar, senior officials and representatives of relevant private associations.
