Pakistan boosts Gulf food exports

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan has directed authorities to accelerate the export of surplus food items to Gulf Cooperation Council countries while ensuring uninterrupted domestic supply. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to strengthen Pakistan's role in regional food security amidst global supply chain disruptions. A special committee has approved 40 food items for export, including rice, edible oil, sugar, meat, poultry, and dairy products. The Prime Minister also called for a comprehensive plan to expand flight operations at key international airports like Pakistan — Karachi and Pakistan — Gwadar, and to enhance port efficiency at Pakistan — Karachi and Pakistan — Port Qasim. Measures already taken include reducing transportation charges at ports by up to 60 percent, activating export facilitation desks, and amending customs rules to allow transhipment handling at off-dock terminals. Business-to-business meetings and webinars are also being organized to promote trade with Gulf partners.