By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed officials to draw up a strategy for shipping Pakistan’s surplus food stocks to Gulf countries, taking advantage of supply disruptions caused by the widening Middle East war while protecting domestic food security.
Sharif issued the instructions on Sunday at a meeting called to review of the country’s food situation and export opportunities created by the “changing regional situation,” according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office.
The meeting took place as fighting that erupted Feb. 28 with U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran has widened, with Tehran launching retaliatory attacks on U.S. assets and bases in Gulf states. The clashes have crippled tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, the route for almost 25% of global oil supplies, sparking a worldwide fuel shortage that forced Pakistan to roll out austerity steps to cut consumption and spending.
Officials told the meeting that Pakistan has comfortable stocks across all food categories and faces no shortages of any item. Sharif told ministers and officials that disruptions to global supply chains have opened fresh demand in regional markets for Pakistani agricultural goods, meat, poultry, dairy and seafood. “The prime minister directed that special attention should be given to providing the Gulf countries with the food items they require and ensuring their food security,” the PMO statement said.
He instructed relevant authorities to formulate a comprehensive export plan for surplus items that does not compromise Pakistan’s own requirements, while insisting on “high quality of items” for shipments. Sharif also called for continuous monitoring of domestic supply and demand dynamics.
He specifically directed the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation to prepare sea routes and logistics for deliveries to Gulf ports. The government will form a committee to track the situation daily and has told ambassadors and trade officers posted in Gulf capitals to stay highly active in identifying opportunities and facilitating deals, according to the statement.
The agricultural sector — encompassing commodities, livestock products and seafood — possesses “vast export potential,” officials briefed the meeting.Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, along with other senior ministers and officials, attended the session.No timeline was given for when exports might begin or which specific Gulf nations are targeted first.
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