Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday directed authorities to accelerate the export of surplus food items to Gulf countries while ensuring an uninterrupted domestic supply, and called for a comprehensive plan to expand flight operations and enhance port efficiency in view of the evolving regional situation.

The directives came as the premier chaired a high-level meeting to review the export of food items to the Middle East and Pakistan’s port and maritime operations, according to a handout by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

During the meeting, the premier was informed that a special committee had approved 40 food items for exporting to Gulf countries amid the current regional situation.

It should be noted that earlier, PM Shehbaz issued directives for the formulation of a strategy for exporting surplus food items to Gulf countries while making sure that Pakistan’s nutritional needs were not affected.

The meeting on Wednesday was also briefed on the measures taken regarding the matter.

“These (food items) include rice, edible oil, sugar, meat, poultry, powdered milk, dairy products, fruits and vegetables,” the handout said, adding open sea and air routes would be used for exporting food items, with no additional charges for the export of vegetables, fruits and meat.

The participants were informed that a database of exporters for trade with Gulf countries had been prepared.

The prime minister expressed satisfaction over the strategy formulated for the supply of food items to Gulf countries and the progress made so far. He also appreciated the departments and officials concerned, the handout stated.

“The prime minister said that all departments concerned must remain in close coordination with Gulf countries regarding their food requirements and food security needs,” the handout said

“It is our duty to take care of the needs of food in the Gulf countries amid the current regional situation where global supply lines are affected,” it quoted him as saying.

He directed that work should be expedited on exporting surplus food items to the Middle East without affecting domestic food requirements and a comprehensive plan should be prepared to increase flight operations at Karachi, Gwadar, and other major international airports in the country, the PMO stated.

“The prime minister said complete monitoring of the demand and supply situation of food items for domestic needs must be ensured,” the handout said, adding that he warned that any delay in decision-making at the government level was unacceptable and those responsible would be held accountable.

The meeting was further informed that “business-to-business meetings and webinars are being held with Gulf countries” and Karachi and Port Qasim remained fully operational during the Eidul Fitr holidays.

The meeting was also informed that necessary amendments had been made to customs rules to allow transhipment handling at off-dock terminals to increase capacity.

The handout further said that transport charges at ports were reduced up to 60 per cent. Meanwhile, export facilitation desks at ports were made fully functional and that oil tankers carrying crude oil were being given priority berthing at the ports.