Pakistan is working to strengthen energy security by increasing domestic production, building strategic reserves and diversifying energy sources. Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik outlined the approach during a ministerial meeting of the International Energy Forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
During his address, Malik condemned attacks by Yemen’s Houthi movement, Ansar Allah, in Saudi Arabia. He expressed Pakistan’s support for Saudi Arabia during the current situation. He also stressed the need for greater investment to ensure global energy security and affordable, sustainable supplies.
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On the sidelines of the meeting, Malik held separate discussions with energy officials from Libya, Qatar and Türkiye. The talks focused on energy cooperation, oil imports and opportunities to strengthen Pakistan’s energy supply.
During his meeting with Libya’s oil and gas minister, Malik said Pakistan had encouraged its refineries to import crude oil from Libya. He added that Pakistan wanted to diversify its crude oil sources to reduce risks linked to possible disruptions along key maritime routes.
These routes include the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, both important passages for international energy shipments. Diversifying suppliers could help Pakistan maintain alternative sources if shipping disruptions affect oil deliveries.
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Malik also held detailed talks with Qatar’s energy minister. The discussions explored potential cooperation in liquefied natural gas (LNG), an important component of Pakistan’s energy imports.
Meanwhile, Türkiye’s energy minister said a Turkish vessel would arrive in Pakistan next month to explore offshore oil and gas resources. The planned arrival could create opportunities for cooperation in exploration. However, the meeting’s main focus remained strengthening energy security through diversified supplies, investment and international partnerships.