Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik and Qatar’s Ambassador to Pakistan Ali bin Mubarak Al-Khater have reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral energy cooperation and ensuring stable LNG supplies to Pakistan.
The meeting which was held in Islamabad on Thursday focused on expressing Pakistan’s gratitude to the State of Qatar for facilitating timely LNG supplies and enhancing coordination for future energy cooperation, particularly in the area of strategic storage, said a press release issued after the meeting.
During the meeting, Ali Pervaiz Malik thanked Qatar for its continued support in providing LNG cargoes at a critical time when Pakistan was facing challenges due to congestion in the Strait of Hormuz and rising summer power demand.
The minister said Pakistan highly valued Qatar’s cooperation, describing it as a reflection of the strong brotherly ties between the two countries.
Ali Pervaiz Malik said he had remained in constant contact with Qatar’s Minister of Energy Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi regarding LNG shipments, adding two LNG cargoes had successfully reached Pakistan as a result of close coordination.
The minister said Pakistan would continue working closely with Qatar to ensure uninterrupted LNG supplies, adding that Islamabad preferred securing energy supplies from friendly countries through cooperation and necessary approvals while avoiding risks to life and property. He added efforts were underway to arrange additional gas supplies in line with national energy requirements.
Ambassador Ali bin Mubarak Al-Khater reaffirmed Qatar’s support for Pakistan and said Doha had directed him to extend all possible facilitation to help meet Pakistan’s energy needs. He said the support reflected the deep-rooted relationship between the leadership of the two brotherly countries and also appreciated Pakistan’s mediation efforts and constructive role in promoting regional peace and stability.
Ali Pervaiz Malik said the prevailing regional conflict highlighted the need for stronger preparedness and resilience. He added under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the government was formulating a comprehensive energy security policy aimed at protecting Pakistan against external disruptions of energy supplies.
