He expresses satisfaction with the strategy for the delivery of food to the Gulf States and the progress made so far
Prime Minister Shehbaz chaired a high-level meeting to review the Gulf food export plan, orders faster decisions and port efficiency. PHOTO: EXPRESS
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday chaired a high-level meeting to review the supply of food to the Gulf countries and assess Pakistan’s ports and maritime operations in the context of the prevailing regional situation.
Expressing satisfaction with the strategy drawn up for the supply of food to the Gulf States and the progress made so far, the Prime Minister praised the achievements of the relevant departments and officials.
He directed all concerned departments to remain in close coordination with the Gulf countries regarding the supply of essential food and their food security. Referring to the current regional situation and disruptions in global supply lines, he said it was Pakistan’s responsibility to meet the food needs of the Gulf countries.
Sharif directed the authorities to speed up the export of surplus food to the Gulf markets without affecting domestic food needs, while ensuring strict monitoring of supply and demand in the country. He warned that delays in decision-making at the government level would not be tolerated and that accountability would be ensured for those responsible.
Read: PM Shehbaz bans high-octane fuel in public 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 set up to promote exports to the Gulf countries had approved 40 food items for export. These include rice, cooking oil, sugar, meat, poultry, dry milk, dairy products, fruit and vegetables.
A database of exporters has also been prepared, while no additional fees will be imposed on exports of vegetables, fruits and meat. Officials said both 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 told that Karachi and Port Qasim remained fully operational during the Eid ul-Fitr holidays. To increase transshipment capacity, off-docking terminals have been allowed to handle transshipment with necessary changes in customs legislation.
Transport tariffs at the ports have been reduced by up to 60 percent and export facilitation counters have been activated. Oil tankers transporting crude oil are given priority to call at ports.
Read more: Prime Minister Shehbaz calls Iranian president, calls for de-escalation 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, Finance Minister Ahad Khan Cheema, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, National Food Security Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain, Information Minister Attaullah Affairs, Assistant to Special Minister, Attaullah Affairs Chaud, Assistant to the Minister of Food, Minister of Food, Minister of Food Security, Minister of Food safety. Prime Minister Haroon Akhtar Khan and senior officials.
