Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik said on Sunday that Pakistan will begin exporting surplus liquefied natural gas (LNG) to international markets from January 1 to ease pressure on the gas sector and contain rising circular debt.
Addressing a press conference, he said Pakistan has long-term LNG supply arrangements with Qatar and ENI, but reduced use of imported gas in power generation over recent months has created a surplus that is being diverted to domestic consumers. This practice, he added, has contributed to an estimated loss of around Rs1,000 billion since 2018-19.
Malik said that from January 1, surplus LNG volumes would be sold abroad to reduce the financial burden on the gas system and limit further losses. He added that public concerns over unsafe gas cylinders had been addressed and that 250,000–300,000 new gas connections were being provided, with efforts focused on ensuring maximum possible relief during winter.
The minister said the government is working to reduce reliance on imported oil and gas, pointing to upcoming cooperation with Azerbaijan and the expected opening of a Turkish petroleum company’s office in Islamabad, which he said would create new employment opportunities.
He also highlighted ongoing and planned investments in the mineral and energy sectors, including accelerated work on copper projects and expected foreign investment of about $3.5 billion, particularly in Balochistan. He said an inauguration ceremony for the Reko Diq project would be held at the Prime Minister’s Office within two months and that Pakistan aims to export around 400,000 tonnes of copper in the coming years.
Malik said a new pipeline from Machike to Thallian is being laid to strengthen domestic energy infrastructure, while global shifts from oil to electricity are being closely monitored as part of Pakistan’s long-term energy planning.
On the political front, the minister said national interest must be kept separate from partisan politics and that criticism should focus on improving governance rather than targeting state institutions. He referred to recent remarks by the DG ISPR, saying the armed forces continue to make daily sacrifices and that respect for institutions is essential.
He said no political party should be banned if it operates within democratic norms and renounces violent methods, adding that “politics and terrorism are two different things.” Malik also said Pakistan’s international standing has improved, crediting Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar for efforts to present Pakistan’s case abroad.
The minister said the government is seeking to control inflation, reduce fiscal deficits and increase exports, while creating dignified employment opportunities for young people.
