PM directs boost in food exports to Gulf, enhancement of ‘port, flight operations’

• Premier Shehbaz-led high-level review meeting focuses on maritime, logistics preparedness

• Seeks comprehensive plan to expand flight operations, enhance port efficiency in view of evolving regional situation

• Stresses accountability and strict monitoring of domestic food supply, clears 40 food items, including rice, sugar, dairy, fruits, and meat for export

• PM informed flight operations at Karachi and Gwadar airports to be expanded for exports, transportation charges cut by up to 60% to facilitate trade

 ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday directed authorities to accelerate exports of surplus food items to Gulf countries while ensuring uninterrupted domestic supply, seeking a comprehensive plan to expand flight operations and enhance port efficiency in light of the evolving regional situation, state media reported.

Chairing a high-level review meeting at the Prime Minister’s House on food commodity exports and Pakistan’s maritime and logistics preparedness, PM Shehbaz expressed satisfaction over the strategy formulated and progress achieved so far to support the region’s food security needs, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chairs a review meeting on exports of essential food items to the Gulf countries and Pakistan's Maritime Operations in wake of current regional situation. pic.twitter.com/SjLkyeGWOw

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) March 25, 2026

He lauded the performance of relevant ministries and officials and instructed all departments to remain in close coordination with Gulf countries regarding their food requirements.

Highlighting disruptions in global supply chains amid the current regional situation, the prime minister stressed Pakistan’s responsibility to help meet the food needs of friendly Gulf nations. He emphasized that exports should be expedited without affecting domestic availability of essential commodities.

وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف کی زیرِ صدارت موجودہ علاقائی صورتحال کے تناظر میں خلیجی ریاستوں کو اشیائے خورونوش کی فراہمی، پاکستان کی بندرگاہوں اور میری ٹائم آپریشنز کے حوالے سے اجلاس

وزیراعظم کا خلیجی ممالک کو اشیائے خورونوش کی فراہمی کے حوالے سے بنائی گئی حکمتِ عملی اور اب تک کی… pic.twitter.com/ZbQ0XrI8H7

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) March 25, 2026

PM Shehbaz also called for strict monitoring of domestic food supply and warned that delays in institutional decision-making would not be tolerated, directing authorities to ensure accountability in case of negligence.

He further instructed the preparation of a comprehensive plan to increase flight operations at key international airports, including Karachi and Gwadar, to facilitate exports and enhance connectivity.

During the briefing, officials informed the meeting that a special committee had approved 40 food items for export to Gulf countries, including rice, edible oil, sugar, meat, poultry, powdered milk, dairy products, fruits, and vegetables. A database of exporters had been prepared, and shipments of vegetables, fruits, and meat would be facilitated without additional charges. Open sea and air routes were being utilized to enhance shipments, alongside business-to-business meetings and webinars with Gulf partners to promote trade.

وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف کی زیر صدارت موجودہ علاقائی صورتحال کے تناظر میں خلیجی ریاستوں کو اشیائے خورونوش کی فراہمی، پاکستان کی بندرگاہوں اور میری ٹائم آپریشنز کے حوالے سے اجلاس

وزیراعظم کا خلیجی ممالک کو اشیائے خورونوش کی فراہمی کے حوالے سے بنائی گئی حکمت عملی اور اب تک کی… pic.twitter.com/xEJCmb2eb6

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) March 25, 2026

The meeting was also informed that port operations at Karachi and Port Qasim remained fully functional during the Eid holidays, while amendments in customs rules now allow transshipment handling at off-dock terminals to increase capacity. Transportation charges at ports have been reduced by up to 60 percent, and export facilitation desks have been activated to support exporters. Ships carrying crude oil are being given priority berthing at ports to ensure smooth energy supplies.

The high-level meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad 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, Maritime Affairs Minister Chaudhry Junaid Anwar, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Haroon Akhtar, and other senior officials.