Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan has said that liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports from Qatar will continue despite the ongoing tensions in the Middle East, although the government is also exploring alternative fuel options.
Speaking to reporters outside the Parliament building in Islamabad on Thursday, the minister said that LNG supplies currently being imported from Qatar would remain unchanged and unaffected, but authorities were considering possible alternatives for energy sources in view of the evolving regional situation.
Jam Kamal said Pakistan’s exports and imports largely depend on international shipping lines, adding that these companies would have to fulfil their responsibilities in ensuring the smooth movement of goods.
He noted that the negative effects of rising costs related to containers, risk coverage, insurance and logistics had already begun to emerge, creating new challenges for trade and supply chains.
Referring to the continuing conflict involving the United States and Israel against Iran, the minister said the ongoing situation was affecting the entire region, as the area served as a crucial route for global trade and energy supplies.
“The whole region is being affected because this route is not only a trade corridor but also an important energy supply route,” he said, adding that many countries dependent on energy resources from Gulf states would inevitably feel the impact of the tensions.
He further explained that the region had traditionally provided smooth facilitation for goods movement and shipments, but the current circumstances had created new uncertainties.
While some alternative arrangements for certain supplies could be considered, Jam Kamal acknowledged that several aspects of the situation remained beyond Pakistan’s control.
