Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to explore alternative fertilizer import routes from Central Asian countries in order to protect Pakistan’s food security and shield the agriculture sector from global supply disruptions.
On Tuesday, the prime minister chaired a high level meeting in Islamabad on fertilizer stocks and food security. During the meeting, he instructed officials to prepare emergency plans due to rising tensions in the Gulf region and fears that supply chains could be disrupted in the Strait of Hormuz.
According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, the government wants to reduce the risks linked to dependence on Gulf trade routes. As a result, officials have been asked to strengthen trade connections with Central Asian countries for fertilizer imports.
Government Plans More Local Production and Crackdown on Hoarding
At the same time, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also ordered faster progress on plans to establish new fertilizer plants in Pakistan. He said timely fertilizer supply to farmers remains one of the government’s top priorities.
The prime minister stressed that upcoming Kharif crops, including rice, cotton and maize, should not face any shortages that could affect production.
Meanwhile, officials informed the meeting that local fertilizer factories are continuing to receive gas supplies and that the country currently has enough fertilizer stocks. However, they warned that global price fluctuations and possible supply chain problems require advance planning.
In addition, the prime minister directed authorities to take strict action against artificial shortages and hoarding of fertilizer.
Earlier, Federal Minister for Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain had also warned that although Pakistan produces most of its urea locally, regional tensions and price differences in international markets could increase the risk of smuggling.
The government believes that stronger trade ties with Central Asia will not only lower import costs but will also reduce reliance on Gulf countries and provide greater stability to Pakistan’s agriculture sector.
