Prime Minister Shehbaz chairs a meeting on austerity measures. PHOTO: SCREENGRAB
ISLAMABAD:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday ordered special arrangements to help meet food requirements in the Gulf states, where supply chains have been affected by the ongoing war, while ensuring the country’s own food security through strict monitoring of supply and demand.
Chairing a meeting to review Pakistan’s food situation and the export of surplus commodities in the light of the changing regional dynamics, the Prime Minister directed the authorities to maintain full oversight of food supply and demand so that national requirements remain fully protected and the public does not face shortages.
Officials briefed the meeting in detail about the country’s existing food reserves, domestic production and export opportunities. The briefing stated that Pakistan currently has ample stocks of food and there is no shortage of 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 given to meeting the food needs of the Gulf countries and ensuring their food security, while protecting Pakistan’s own needs.
He directed the relevant authorities to prepare a comprehensive strategy for the export of surplus food to the Gulf States without affecting Pakistan’s domestic food requirements, stressing that high quality standards must be ensured for food 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 Gulf countries through maritime routes to speed up and streamline deliveries.
The meeting was informed that Pakistan’s agriculture sector, including crops, meat, poultry, dairy and seafood, has significant production capacity and export potential. The prime minister also directed the formation of a committee to monitor the situation on a daily basis.
Prime Minister Shehbaz further directed Pakistan’s ambassadors and trade officers posted in the Gulf countries to remain proactive in promoting exports and taking advantage of new opportunities.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary Ishaq Dar, Union Ministers Jam Kamal Khan, Rana Tanveer Hussain and Ahsan Iqbal, Special Assistant Haroon Akhtar, senior officials and representatives of relevant private associations.
