Islamabad, March 9, 2026: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar chaired a meeting of the Prime Minister’s Committee on Monday to review the availability of perishable food items in the country and explore measures to ensure smooth domestic supply while facilitating the timely export of surplus produce.
The meeting focused on assessing the current situation of perishable commodities and identifying strategies to strengthen Pakistan’s export performance amid evolving regional trade dynamics.
Participants discussed the challenges facing exporters due to disruptions in some traditional trade routes. The committee examined alternative export pathways, including sea routes and access to new international markets, to ensure that surplus agricultural produce reaches global buyers without delays.
Officials emphasized that diversifying export channels would help mitigate risks arising from regional trade disruptions and enhance Pakistan’s competitiveness in global food markets.
The committee also reviewed proposals submitted by exporters and stakeholders from the agriculture and trade sectors. Discussions highlighted the need to improve storage infrastructure, logistics systems, and market access to minimize wastage of perishable commodities and ensure efficient supply chains.
Participants stressed that better cold storage facilities and streamlined transportation networks are essential to maintaining product quality during both domestic distribution and export.
Another key focus of the meeting was the assessment of global demand and pricing trends for perishable goods. Officials noted that understanding international market conditions would help policymakers and exporters make informed decisions and optimize export opportunities.
The committee reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting exporters and ensuring that surplus agricultural produce contributes effectively to the country’s export earnings.
The meeting was attended by the Minister for National Food Security, the Minister for Commerce, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Bajwa, the Prime Minister’s Coordinator on Commerce, as well as secretaries and senior officials from the relevant ministries and departments.
The participants agreed on the need for coordinated policy measures and stronger collaboration between government institutions and exporters to enhance the efficiency of Pakistan’s agricultural supply chain and boost exports of perishable commodities.
