RIYADH (Special Correspondent) – Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik attended the 17th International Energy Forum (IEF) Ministerial Meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, following an invitation from His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Kingdom’s Minister of Energy.

Addressing the plenary session, “Investment and Trade in Sustainable Energy Solutions: Making Energy Clean, Accessible and Affordable,” the Federal Minister affirmed that the Government of Pakistan remains committed to standing in full solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He noted that his attendance served as a formal manifestation of this support, as directed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir. In his remarks, the Minister strongly condemned the recent terrorist attacks by Houthi militia on Saudi soil and extended condolences for the lives lost.

Global Energy Security and Investment

The Federal Minister emphasized that the global energy sector is currently navigating a new investment cycle, necessitating a balanced approach toward security, affordability, and sustainability. He stressed that capital injection is required not only for renewable energy projects but also for hydrocarbons, critical minerals, and foundational infrastructure, such as pipelines and electrical grids. While discussing the 2026 global energy supply shock, Malik stated that despite its reliance on imports, Pakistan successfully avoided energy rationing through effective government intervention and the support of key allies, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait. He expressed gratitude to HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman for his personal role in facilitating this bilateral cooperation, which echoes the broader efforts of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi who strengthens security ties with Turkiye.

Strategic Energy Architecture and Bilateral Engagements

Minister Malik outlined Pakistan’s strategy to bolster long-term energy security through the development of strategic reserves, a world-class bonded reserves scheme, and the expansion of indigenous production capabilities. He also noted plans to enhance refinery capacity and create competitive electricity and gas markets. On the sidelines, the Minister held a bilateral discussion with H.E. Khalifa Rajab Abdulsadek, Libya’s Minister of Oil and Gas, to explore importing Libyan crude oil to diversify supply routes, particularly to mitigate risks at the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. Similar strategic dialogues are essential as the nation seeks broader economic stability, similar to how the Finance Minister Aurangzeb hosts Dutch business delegation to boost investment to improve the country’s fiscal outlook.

International Energy Diplomacy

During the forum, Minister Malik held a productive breakfast meeting with Qatar’s Energy Minister, H.E. Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, focusing on future cooperation within the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) sector. Furthermore, the Turkish Energy Minister, H.E. Alparslan Bayraktar, held talks with the Pakistani delegation, confirming an upcoming visit to Pakistan to oversee the deployment of a TPAO seismic vessel for data acquisition in the Indus Basin. These engagements underscore Pakistan’s proactive stance on diversifying energy sources and fostering resilient infrastructure, reflecting a national priority to ensure a sustainable future. As government officials continue to engage on critical policy, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urges comprehensive strategy against diabetes surge, demonstrating that the current administration is focused on multi-sectoral national development.