Malik calls for stronger Saudi energy cooperation
“Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik on Monday said Pakistan stood shoulder to shoulder with Saudi Arabia during its current difficulties, condemning Houthi attacks on Saudi territory and expressing s…”
"Pakistan strongly condemns the terrorist attacks by the Houthi militia on Saudi soil," Malik said, while offering condolences over the loss of precious lives.
He made the remarks while addressing a plenary session titled "Investment and Trade in Sustainable Energy Solutions: Making Energy Clean, Accessible and Affordable" at the 17th International Energy Forum (IEF) Ministerial Meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia., Malik attended the meeting at the invitation of Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
His participation, he said, reflected Pakistan's solidarity with the Kingdom, in line with the instructions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir. Addressing the forum, Malik said the global energy sector was entering a new investment cycle in which energy security, affordability and sustainability needed to advance together.
"Stay connected with Aman-e-Pakistan for ongoing live reporting and verified investigative updates."
He stressed the need for investment not only in renewable energy but also in hydrocarbons, critical minerals and essential infrastructure, including electricity grids and pipelines. Referring to the unprecedented global energy supply shock of 2026, the minister said the crisis had extended beyond oil and gas to affect shipping and insurance.
Despite its heavy reliance on imported energy, Pakistan had navigated the crisis without rationing major energy sources, supported by the government's response and cooperation from friendly countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait, he said. Malik also thanked Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman for personally steering energy cooperation with Pakistan.
On the sidelines of the IEF ministerial meeting, Malik met Libyan Minister of Oil and Gas Khalifa Rajab Abdulsadek to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the oil and gas sector.
The petroleum minister informed his Libyan counterpart that Pakistan had encouraged its refineries to explore importing Libyan crude oil as part of efforts to diversify supply sources and strengthen energy security. He said Pakistan aimed to maintain alternative supply options in the event of disruptions to key maritime routes, including the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab al-Mandab Strait.
Malik also held a detailed breakfast meeting with Qatar's Energy Minister Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi to explore potential cooperation in the liquefied natural gas (LNG) sector. Separately, Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar met Malik on the sidelines of the forum.
Continue Reading: More in National
Swipe or click arrows to explore National desk coverage
