Govt reaffirms energy reform commitment
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Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to a resilient and sustainable energy future during his keynote address at the Ministerial Plenary session titled 'Global Cooperation for a Resilient and Sustainable Energy Future' at the 30th Baku Energy Forum.
According to a statement released on Tuesday, in his speech, Malik congratulated Azerbaijan's Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov and pledged Pakistan's full cooperation with the forum's transition agenda, which aims to shift from a fossil fuel-driven framework to a balanced energy mix. He emphasised Pakistan's strategic realignment under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's leadership towards a more sustainable, inclusive, and coherent energy paradigm.
Highlighting Pakistan's ongoing industrialisation, Malik noted that the country's rising energy demand must be met by integrating renewable energy sources and technology. To support this, he announced the revival of the Cabinet Committee on Energy, chaired by the prime minister, to enhance coordination between the Petroleum and Power Divisions and ensure cohesive policy evolution. The minister also detailed Pakistan's efforts to expand its gas infrastructure by encouraging local exploration, acknowledging the assistance of Azerbaijan and other partner countries in developing indigenous gas resources. He said conservation measures and reform initiatives are underway to dismantle inefficiencies and ensure long-term sustainability of the gas sector.
"Despite economic challenges, Pakistan is committed to making the gas sector sustainable by dismantling inefficiencies and implementing reforms," Malik stated. "Reform is the cornerstone of the prime minister's vision for a resilient energy future."
Attendees at the plenary included Azerbaijan's Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov, the Turkish Deputy Minister of Energy, and Director of Energy at the European Commission Cristina Lobillo.
Separately in Islamabad, Malik held a bilateral meeting with Rovshan Najaf, President of the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR), to enhance energy cooperation between the two countries. The discussion focused on deepening bilateral ties, potential joint ventures, and attracting investment in Pakistan's oil and gas sector.
Malik reiterated Pakistan's intent to strengthen partnerships with leading global energy firms and stressed the government's commitment to creating an investor-friendly climate. Najaf praised Pakistan's progress in the energy sector and reaffirmed SOCAR's interest in expanding cooperation with Pakistani stakeholders.
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