PM Shehbaz directs ‘strategy’ for Gulf food exports while ensuring domestic supply

• Premier Shehbaz chairs meeting to assess country’s food stocks and export potential of commodities available in surplus

• Participants informed ample stocks of agricultural commodities, meat, poultry, dairy, and seafood available in country

• Shehbaz emphasizes high-quality standards for exported food items, tasking PNSC with ensuring smooth sea exports

• Directs formation of a committee to review situation daily, instructing ambassadors promote trade in Gulf countries

LAHORE/ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday reviewed the “food situation” in Pakistan and explored the “export potential of surplus commodities” in light of the changing regional situation, directing the “formulation of a strategy” to export excess food items to Gulf countries while ensuring that the country’s domestic nutritional needs remain fully met.

“Special attention should be given to providing Gulf countries with the food items they require and ensuring their food security,” a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) quoted the premier as saying.

وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف کی زیر صدارت خطے کی بدلتی ہوئی صورتحال کے پیش نظر ملک میں غذائی صورتِحال اور وافر اشیاء کی برآمدات پر جائزہ اجلاس

وزیراعظم نے کہا کہ ملکی غذائی ضروریات کیلئے اشیائے خوردونوش کی طلب و رسد کی مکمل نگرانی کی جائے۔ عالمی سپلائی چینز متاثر ہونے سے خطے میں… pic.twitter.com/mr81fXLpQd

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) March 15, 2026

The instructions were issued during a meeting convened to assess the country’s food stocks and the export potential of commodities available in surplus, particularly in view of the ongoing Middle East conflict, which began on February 28 with US and Israeli attacks on Iran. The conflict has since escalated, with Iran carrying out retaliatory strikes targeting US assets and bases in the Gulf.

The ongoing tensions have disrupted global fuel supplies, especially in the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic corridor through which nearly 25 per cent of the world’s oil passes, prompting Pakistan to implement austerity measures to curb fuel consumption and reduce spending.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chairs a meeting to review food stocks and export of surplus to the Gulf Countries. pic.twitter.com/uFtxLVWMuc

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) March 15, 2026

During the meeting, officials briefed the prime minister that there are ample stocks of food items across the country, with no shortages reported. PM Shehbaz noted that disruptions in global supply chains had, in fact, increased the export potential of Pakistani products in regional markets.

He directed the relevant authorities to formulate a comprehensive strategy for exporting surplus food items to Gulf countries, ensuring that domestic food requirements are not compromised. The premier emphasised that exported items must meet high-quality standards to maintain Pakistan’s credibility in Gulf markets.

The prime minister also instructed that supply and demand of food commodities be closely monitored to meet Pakistan’s internal requirements. He directed the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation to take the necessary steps for exporting food items via sea routes.

وزیرِ اعظم محمد شہباز شریف کی زیر صدارت خطے کی بدلتی ہوئی صورتحال کے پیشِ نظر ملک میں غذائی صورتحال اور وافر اشیاء کی برآمدت پر جائزہ اجلاس

اجلاس کو ملک میں موجود اشیائے خورونوش کے موجودہ ذخائر اور پیداوار پر بریفنگ دی گئی۔
“ملکی غذائی ضروریات کیلئے اشیائے خورونوش کی طلب و رسد… pic.twitter.com/WjYIYj59FX

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) March 15, 2026

The meeting was briefed about stocks and production levels across Pakistan’s agricultural sector, including agricultural commodities, meat, poultry, dairy, and seafood, highlighting their vast export potential.

In response, PM Shehbaz directed the formation of a committee to review the situation daily, while also instructing Pakistan’s ambassadors and trade officers in Gulf countries to actively promote exports.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Federal Ministers Jam Kamal Khan, Rana Tanveer Hussain, Ahsan Iqbal, Special Assistant Haroon Akhtar, senior officials, provincial chief secretaries, and representatives of relevant private associations attended the meeting.