• Notes ‘disruptions in global supply chains’ has increased Pakistani products’ potential in regional markets
• Orders monitoring of local supply and demand requirements
• PNSC told to take necessary steps for exports via maritime routes

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has issued directives for the formulation of a strategy to export surplus food items to Gulf nations while ensuring that the country’s nutritional needs are not affected.

According to Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), PM Shehbaz while presiding over a meeting on Sunday noted that disruptions in global supply chains increased the export potential of Pakistani products in regional markets.

The premier reviewed the food situation in the country and export of commodities available in excess in view of the changing regional situation. The meeting was held against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which began with the United States and Israel launching deadly attacks on Iran on Feb 28. The conflict has since widened, with Iran carrying out retaliatory strikes in Gulf countries targeting US assets and bases.

The conflict has also resulted in a global fuel crunch, with disruption to traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic maritime corridor through which nearly 25 per cent of the world’s oil had been passing.

Given the situation, the government has taken a series of austerity measures to curb fuel usage and reduce spending.

The PMO statement said the prime minister directed that special attention should be given to providing Gulf countries with the food items they required and ensuring their food security.

Meanwhile, the meeting was told that there were “ample stocks of food items available in Pakistan; there is no shortage of anything”, the statement said.

PM Shehbaz instructed the relevant authorities to formulate a comprehensive strategy for exporting surplus food items to Gulf countries without affecting domestic food needs.

He also emphasised that the “high quality of items” must be ensured in the export of food products to Gulf states.

Monitoring local demand

PM Shehbaz ordered that the supply and demand of food items should be fully monitored to meet Pakistan’s requirements.

He also directed the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) to take the necessary steps for the export of food items to Gulf countries via maritime routes.

The meeting was briefed about the stocks of food items and their production in the country, the PMO statement mentioned.

“The meeting was told that Pakistan’s agricultural sector, including agricultural commodities, meat, poultry, dairy and seafood, has vast export potential,” it read.

In this regard, the statement continued, the prime minister directed that a committee be constituted to review the situation on a daily basis.

“He also directed the ambassadors and trade officers deputed in Gulf countries to remain active,” it said.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, along with other ministers and officials, also attended the meeting.

Published in Dawn, March 16th, 2026