Pakistan, Qatar strengthen LNG coordination as two cargoes arrive

ISLAMABAD: Qatar has directed its envoy in Pakistan to extend all possible facilitation to Islamabad in meeting its energy requirements, reaffirming support for LNG supplies amid regional supply pressures, including congestion in the Strait of Hormuz, and rising summer demand.

Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik held a meeting with Ali bin Mubarak Al-Khater, Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Pakistan, at the Petroleum Division to discuss ongoing LNG cooperation and future energy coordination between the two countries.

The meeting focused on expressing Pakistan’s gratitude to Qatar for facilitating LNG supplies at a critical time and exploring avenues for strengthening long-term energy cooperation, particularly in the area of strategic energy storage and supply coordination.

During the meeting, the petroleum minister thanked the State of Qatar for extending timely support by ensuring LNG cargo supplies when Pakistan was facing challenges arising from congestion in the Strait of Hormuz alongside peaking summer power demand.

The minister said Pakistan highly values Qatar’s cooperation, describing it as a reflection of the longstanding brotherly ties between the two countries.

Ali Pervaiz Malik informed the Qatari envoy that he remained in continuous contact with Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi regarding LNG vessel coordination, which resulted in the successful arrival of two LNG cargoes in Pakistan.

He emphasized that Pakistan would continue close coordination with Qatar to ensure uninterrupted LNG supplies and meet growing domestic energy requirements.

The minister stated that Pakistan prefers securing energy supplies from friendly countries through coordinated arrangements and necessary approvals without risking loss of life or property amid prevailing regional uncertainties.

He further revealed that efforts were underway to arrange additional gas supplies in view of the country’s increasing energy needs during the summer season.

During the meeting, Ambassador Ali bin Mubarak Al-Khater reaffirmed Qatar’s unwavering support for Pakistan and stated that the State of Qatar had directed him to extend all possible facilitation to help Pakistan meet its energy requirements.

The ambassador said the support reflected the deep-rooted relationship between the leaderships of the two brotherly countries and appreciated Pakistan’s mediation efforts and constructive role in promoting regional peace and stability.

Discussing the broader regional situation, the petroleum minister observed that the prevailing conflict in the region had highlighted the importance of strengthening Pakistan’s long-term energy security framework.

He said the government, under the leadership of the Prime Minister, the Field Marshal and the Deputy Prime Minister, was formulating a comprehensive Energy Security Policy aimed at enhancing Pakistan’s resilience against external disruptions and global supply shocks.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral energy cooperation and agreed to continue close coordination to ensure stable and reliable LNG and energy supplies in the future.