US, Pakistan explore long-term energy cooperation, investment opportunities

Celina Ali

Islamabad: The United States and Pakistan have explored avenues for strengthening bilateral energy cooperation, including potential long-term energy supply contracts, US investment in Pakistan’s refinery upgradation programme and liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies.

The discussions took place during a meeting between US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie A. Baker and Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik, who exchanged views on energy security, investment opportunities and ways to deepen cooperation amid evolving geopolitical challenges.

During the meeting, the petroleum minister briefed the US diplomat on Pakistan’s measures to ensure energy security and maintain uninterrupted fuel supplies amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has created challenges for fuel availability.

Baker congratulated Pakistan on efficiently managing its fuel supply situation, noting that the country had avoided a fuel shortage despite the challenging regional circumstances.

Malik highlighted Pakistan’s commitment to securing its energy needs and said continued engagement between the two countries could open new avenues for cooperation. He identified Pakistan’s refinery upgradation programme as a potential investment opportunity for US financial institutions.

The US chargé d’affaires expressed Washington’s desire to work closely with Pakistan to address its energy requirements, stressing the importance of creating opportunities for American companies in the Pakistani market.

She also expressed optimism about establishing long-term energy supply contracts, saying such arrangements could benefit both countries while creating business opportunities for US companies.

During the meeting, the managing directors of Pakistan State Oil (PSO) and Pakistan LNG Limited (PLL) briefed the participants on the interest shown by US companies in supplying LNG to Pakistan, highlighting the potential for expanding commercial engagement in the energy sector.

The petroleum minister also invited US companies to participate in the upcoming Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum (PMIF), underscoring the investment opportunities available in Pakistan’s mineral resources sector.

Malik expressed appreciation for US support and emphasised that stronger bilateral engagement could help advance energy cooperation and contribute to Pakistan’s long-term energy security.