Summary
- Pakistan has reaffirmed its support for Saudi Arabia while stepping up efforts to diversify energy imports and strengthen national energy security Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik said during a visit to Riyadh.
- Pakistan explores Libyan crude oil imports On the sidelines of the forum Malik met Libyan Oil and Gas Minister Khalifa Rajab Abdulsadek to discuss expanding cooperation in the petroleum sector.
- https://x.com/Official_PetDiv/status/2109551256259711402?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E2109551256259711402%7Ctwgr%5Eb7a90d837446279099517ffed17c22f05d851c3e%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Ftribune.com.pk%2Fstory%2F2634428%2Fpakistan-stands-shoulder-to-shoulder-with-saudi-arabia-petroleum-minister Meanwhile Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar discussed a planned visit to Pakistan next month to receive a seismic survey vessel operated by Turkish Petroleum Corporation.
Pakistan has reaffirmed its support for Saudi Arabia while stepping up efforts to diversify energy imports and strengthen national energy security Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik said during a visit to Riyadh.
Addressing the 17th International Energy Forum (IEF) Ministerial Meeting on Monday, Malik condemned attacks by Yemen’s Houthi militia on Saudi territory and expressed condolences over the loss of lives. He said Pakistan stood firmly alongside the Kingdom during challenging times.
The minister attended the gathering at the invitation of Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman. His participation reflected Pakistan’s commitment to maintaining close ties with Riyadh, according to an official press release.
During discussions on sustainable energy investment and trade Malik highlighted the need to balance energy security, affordability and environmental sustainability. He said investment was required across several areas, including renewable energy oil and gas production critical minerals electricity networks and pipeline infrastructure.
He also referred to the global energy supply disruption in 2026 which affected not only fuel availability but also shipping and insurance costs. Despite its dependence on imported energy, Pakistan had avoided rationing major energy supplies, supported by government measures and cooperation with partners such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait.
Malik said Pakistan was pursuing strategic reserves higher domestic production, refinery improvements and additional storage facilities to reduce its vulnerability to international disruptions.
Pakistan explores Libyan crude oil imports
On the sidelines of the forum Malik met Libyan Oil and Gas Minister Khalifa Rajab Abdulsadek to discuss expanding cooperation in the petroleum sector.
Malik said Pakistani refineries had been encouraged to consider importing Libyan crude oil to broaden supply options particularly if shipping through important routes such as the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab were disrupted.
The Libyan minister expressed willingness to encourage his country’s national oil company to increase crude allocations for Pakistani buyers. Libya also showed interest in Pakistan’s experience with refinery upgrades.
Energy discussions with Qatar and Turkiye
Malik held talks with Qatar’s Energy Minister Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi about possible cooperation in liquefied natural gas (LNG).
Meanwhile Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar discussed a planned visit to Pakistan next month to receive a seismic survey vessel operated by Turkish Petroleum Corporation. The vessel is expected to begin collecting geological data in the Indus Basin.
The meetings highlighted Pakistan’s strategy of building international partnerships diversifying fuel imports and investing in infrastructure to improve the reliability and affordability of future energy supplies.
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