In the midst of the Middle East conflict, Pakistan investigates new food export channels.

As the intensifying crisis in the Middle East threatens to disrupt shipping routes and energy supplies essential to the nation’s trade and agriculture, Pakistan evaluated the supply of perishable food products and fertilizer inventories on Monday, according to state media.

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 is particularly vulnerable to interruptions in the Middle East due to its heavy reliance on sea lanes for the purchase of gasoline and the export of food and agricultural products.

Dar presided over a meeting of the PM’s Committee to examine the supply and export of perishable food commodities, looking at ways to ensure timely exports of excess produce while maintaining domestic availability.

“The committee investigated alternative export pathways, sea routes, and potential new markets in light of evolving regional trade dynamics and disruptions to some traditional routes,” Radio Pakistan said following the meeting.

In order to promote export competitiveness, officials also examined suggestions from exporters and focused on enhancing storage facilities, logistics, and market access while evaluating global demand and pricing patterns.

Food Security Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain stated that the government would guarantee steady fertilizer availability in spite of regional uncertainty during a separate meeting in Islamabad.

During a meeting of the Fertilizer Review Committee, he declared, “Agricultural productivity and food security will remain protected despite external challenges.”

He emphasized that in order to ensure a steady supply of fertilizer throughout the nation, manufacturers, distributors, and provincial authorities must work closely together.

In order to prevent hoarding and false shortages, the committee also examined fertilizer pricing and distribution methods, according to officials. They said that authorities would keep a careful eye on prices to guarantee farmers have access to reasonably priced supplies.