Photo courtesy of Anadolu.
Pakistan has approved the export of food products to Iran for a limited period, as tensions in the Middle East continue to affect regional trade flows, an official said on Saturday.
Pakistan Trade Minister Jam Kamal Khan said the government eased restrictions to facilitate shipments to Iran and nearby markets, including Azerbaijan and other Central Asian countries through overland routes.
He said several requirements for exporters were temporarily suspended, including bank guarantees, letters of credit, and other financial instruments, to simplify transactions.
The policy, which will remain in effect until June, allows the export of key commodities such as rice, seafood, meat, fruits, and vegetables, along with certain pharmaceutical products.
Khan said the move was intended to boost regional commerce and lower costs for businesses engaged in cross-border trade.
The decision followed an earlier measure permitting shipments of surplus food supplies to Gulf countries in recent days.
Developments in the Middle East have disrupted key trade routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, a major passage for global oil shipments, after recent hostilities involving Iran, Israel, and the United States.
Iran has since launched retaliatory strikes across parts of the region, contributing to ongoing instability that continues to affect trade and supply chains.
