Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik on Thursday said the government is striving to secure additional gas supplies, as he thanked Qatar for its timely facilitation in ensuring the supply of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Pakistan.
During a meeting with Qatar’s Ambassador to Pakistan Ali bin Mubarak Al-Khater at the Petroleum Division, he noted the LNG cargoes had come at a “critical time” when Islamabad was facing challenges due to the ongoing blockade of the Strait of Hormuz amidst rising power demand.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Energy, the meeting aimed to express gratitude to Qatar for its timely facilitation in ensuring LNG supplies and to further strengthen coordination for future energy cooperation, especially regarding strategic storage.
Malik, it said, reiterated that Islamabad valued Qatar’s cooperation. He said it reflected the “strong brotherly ties” between the two countries. He further said he remained in constant contact with Qatar Energy Minister Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, and coordinated closely regarding LNG vessels. These engagements enabled the arrival of two LNG cargoes to Pakistan, he added.
The minister vowed to continue coordinating with Qatar to ensure uninterrupted LNG supplies for Pakistan, adding efforts are underway to secure additional gas supplies in line with national energy requirements. He said Islamabad’s preference was to secure these supplies from friendly countries through necessary approvals, without risking any loss of life or property.
Ambassador Al-Khater, per the statement, reaffirmed Qatar’s unwavering support for Pakistan, saying the Qatari government has directed him to extend all possible facilitation to Islamabad in meeting its energy needs. He also lauded Pakistan’s mediation efforts and its constructive role in promoting peace and stability in the region.
Malik said the prevailing regional conflict offered important lessons, noting the government under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army chief and Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir was formulating a comprehensive Energy Security Policy to strengthen Pakistan’s resilience against external disruptions.
The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to further strengthening bilateral energy cooperation.