Pakistan Secures Additional 70,000-Tonne Rice Export Deal With Malaysia
Pakistan has secured an additional export opportunity for 70,000 metric tonnes of rice to Malaysia, with shipments scheduled to take place between October and December 2026.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the development as an important step for Pakistan’s economy and said greater access to international markets would also support the country’s farming community.
The prime minister said increasing exports of Pakistani agricultural products remained a key government priority. He also appreciated the ministries and relevant authorities involved in securing the additional rice export volume.
Shehbaz Sharif said the government would continue working toward an export-led economic growth model by improving access to international markets.
Government Reviews Business Reforms
The prime minister also chaired a meeting to review regulatory reforms and measures aimed at facilitating businesses, encouraging investment and improving the country’s regulatory framework.
He said reducing unnecessary regulations was important for creating a more business-friendly environment.
During the meeting, Shehbaz Sharif said reforms had been introduced to modernise the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) and directed other regulatory bodies to undertake similar improvements.
He also ordered the establishment of a regulatory registry to bring existing rules and regulatory requirements under a centralised system.
The prime minister further directed authorities to implement the Ease of Doing Business Act across the country so that businesses could receive consistent facilities and face a more uniform regulatory framework.
Third-Party Review of Reforms
Shehbaz Sharif directed that the impact of regulatory reforms should also be assessed through third-party validation.
He said reforms should produce measurable benefits for businesses and instructed the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) to work closely with the private sector.
The meeting was informed that the Business Facilitation Center was being modernised on the lines of Punjab’s E-BIZ system.
Officials also briefed the meeting about efforts to simplify the Export Policy Order and Import Policy Order.
According to the briefing, SIFC is coordinating with the provinces, including Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, on regulatory reforms.
PM Directs Improvements in Railway Safety
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif separately directed the Ministry of Railways to improve passenger facilities and take practical measures to ensure the safety of people travelling by train.
He issued the instructions during a meeting with Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi, who briefed him on ministry affairs and ongoing development projects.
The prime minister stressed the need for timely repair and maintenance of railway tracks and said passenger safety should remain a key priority.
He directed the ministry to take effective steps to improve railway services and ensure that necessary maintenance work is completed on time.
