ISLAMABAD: Ex-army chief General (retired) Raheel Sharif called on Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday to discuss the regional security environment and counter-terrorism measures taken by a Saudi-led coalition.
Sharif currently serves as the top commander of the Islamic Military Counter-Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) which was formed in December 2015.
The prime minister, for his part, reiterated that his administration wanted to bring enduring peace and stability to the country by supporting various peace initiatives at the regional level. He also emphasized greater regional cooperation to eradicate violence and extremism.
Earlier in the day, Sharif met with Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi in Islamabad. The minister applauded the IMCTC for making substantial contributions to the security of the region.
The coalition, which had 34 members initially, is comprised of 41 now. Sharif, who played a vital role in Pakistan’s war against religious militancy, was nominated as its first commander-in-chief after his retirement, and the coalition has since been striving to eradicate terrorism from the Muslim world under his guidance.
Raheel Sharif briefs PM Khan on counter-terrorism measures
Raheel Sharif briefs PM Khan on counter-terrorism measures
- Chief of Saudi-led coalition also discussed the regional security environment
- Premier reiterates support for peace and stability
Pakistan explores new food export routes, protections for farm supply amid Middle East conflict
- Senior ministers review alternative sea routes, new markets amid the war in Iran
- Pakistan relies heavily on Middle Eastern sea lanes for its imports and exports
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan reviewed the supply of perishable food items and fertilizer stocks on Monday, according to the state media, as the escalating conflict in the Middle East threatens to disrupt shipping routes and energy supplies critical to the country’s trade and agriculture.
The meetings, chaired separately by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Food Security Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain, came as tensions following US-Israeli strikes on Iran have raised concerns about the security of key maritime routes and energy markets that underpin Pakistan’s economy.
Pakistan relies heavily on Middle Eastern sea lanes for both fuel imports and exports of agricultural and food products, making disruptions in the region particularly sensitive for the country.
Dar chaired a meeting of the PM’s Committee to review the supply and export of perishable food items, examining steps to maintain domestic availability while ensuring timely exports of surplus produce.
“In the light of evolving regional trade dynamics and disruptions to some traditional routes, the committee explored alternative export pathways, sea routes, and potential new markets,” Radio Pakistan reported after the meeting.
Officials also discussed proposals from exporters and emphasized improving storage facilities, logistics and market access while assessing global demand and pricing trends to support export competitiveness.
In a separate meeting in Islamabad, Food Security Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain said the government would ensure stable fertilizer availability despite regional uncertainties.
“Agricultural productivity and food security will remain protected despite external challenges,” he said while chairing a meeting of the Fertilizer Review Committee.
He stressed the need for close coordination among manufacturers, distributors and provincial authorities to maintain uninterrupted fertilizer supply across the country.
The committee also reviewed fertilizer pricing and distribution mechanisms to prevent artificial shortages and hoarding, officials said, adding that authorities would monitor prices closely to ensure farmers have access to affordable inputs.
