Lahore: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has directed the relevant authorities to formulate a comprehensive strategy for exporting surplus food items to Gulf countries while ensuring domestic food security.

Chairing a meeting in Lahore to review the country's food situation, the prime minister said that disruptions in global supply chains have created new opportunities for Pakistani products in regional markets.

Officials informed the meeting that Pakistan currently has sufficient stocks of food commodities and there is no shortage of essential food items in the country.

The prime minister instructed that special attention should be given to fulfilling the food requirements of Gulf countries while maintaining local supply stability.

He also directed the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation to facilitate the export of food products through sea routes and emphasised maintaining high quality standards for exports to friendly Gulf states.

The meeting was informed that Pakistan's agricultural sector, including crops, meat, poultry, dairy and seafood, has strong export potential. The prime minister also ordered the formation of a committee to monitor the situation on a daily basis and asked Pakistan's ambassadors and trade officers in Gulf countries to actively promote exports.