Ahsan Iqbal Orders Cold Chain Proposals Within Five Days to Reduce Agri Losses

Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal has directed relevant authorities to prepare concrete proposals for cold chain infrastructure development within five days, as the government moves to address post-harvest food losses that cost the agricultural economy billions of rupees annually. The directive reflects an urgency to translate long-standing policy ambitions into actionable programmes.

Pakistan loses an estimated 30 to 40 percent of its perishable agricultural produce due to the absence of adequate cold storage and refrigerated logistics infrastructure. The shortfall affects fruits, vegetables, dairy, and meat supply chains, undermining farmer incomes and contributing to price volatility in urban markets.

Ahsan Iqbal convened a meeting with planning and agricultural officials at which he emphasised the strategic importance of cold chain development for both food security and export competitiveness. He called for proposals that identify specific projects, funding mechanisms, and implementation timelines rather than general policy statements.

The five-day deadline signals a shift toward results-oriented planning management. Cold chain investment has been on the government's agenda for years, but progress has been hampered by coordination failures between federal and provincial authorities. Observers will watch whether the directive translates into funded, timetabled projects.