Govt says fully focussed on energy supplies

LAHORE: Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervez Malik on Sunday said that a summary had also been submitted to the federal cabinet to facilitate the import of LPG from abroad so that consumers would not face fuel shortages in case of an emergency.

While addressing a public gathering in his constituency Mughalpura and talking to the media, the federal minister said the government was also undertaking advance planning to ensure adequate availability of crude oil, petrol, diesel, gas and LPG, particularly in view of the changing international energy situation.

In response to a question regarding gas supplies during winter, he said comprehensive arrangements were being made to meet the needs of consumers during December, January and February. The Prime Minister and the federal cabinet had been apprised of the country’s gas requirements, availability and potential challenges, he added.

READ MORE: Pakistan mulls allowing private firms to directly import LNG: report

On LPG prices, Ali Pervez Malik said these were determined by OGRA, with Saudi Aramco’s monthly Contract Price (CP) playing a key role in the pricing mechanism. He said measures were being taken to ensure sufficient LPG availability during winter in view of increased demand and the prevailing regional situation.

He said that providing relief to the people in petroleum prices was the government’s top priority, while timely measures were being taken to ensure uninterrupted gas supply during the upcoming winter season.

The minister said more than nine million citizens had benefited from the government’s scheme providing relief of Rs100 per litre to eligible consumers.

He assured the public that as soon as international oil prices declined, the benefit would be passed on to consumers in Pakistan without delay.

Ali Pervez Malik said the government fully understood the difficulties being faced by the people due to the increase in petroleum prices and was making every possible effort to provide relief. He said the government had not attempted to burden consumers with any additional amount beyond the impact necessitated by the rise in international oil prices.

He said petroleum prices were being determined through a transparent mechanism, with relevant details available on the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) website so that people could understand how domestic prices were linked to fluctuations in international markets.

The minister said, on the directives of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, the government had introduced measures to provide relief to low-income segments, including motorcyclists and users of vehicles up to 800cc. Under the scheme, motorcyclists were being provided relief of Rs100 per litre, benefiting around nine million people.

He said the government would continue the scheme within its available resources and would keep providing relief to the people as long as it was financially feasible.

Commenting on the security situation, the federal minister said the country and the region were facing major challenges, while the resurgence of terrorist activities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was a matter of serious concern.

He said the prevailing circumstances demanded national unity and solidarity, adding that the entire nation would have to stand shoulder to shoulder with the military leadership for eliminating terrorism and protecting the country’s borders.

He appealed to all political leaders, particularly the leadership of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, to understand the sensitivity of the situation and play their role in safeguarding national security.

Ali Pervez Malik said, “If there is a country, there is everything for us; if there is no country, there is nothing.” He stressed that the present time was not for political point-scoring but for giving priority to national interests.

He said political differences could be resolved later, but no compromise could be made on the country’s security. He added that political leadership and military leadership should remain united in the larger national interest.

The minister said the martyrs were the pride of Pakistan who had sacrificed their lives for the country’s security and survival. The entire nation paid tribute to them, he added. He urged the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to realise his responsibilities and demonstrate seriousness on matters concerning national security.

Ali Pervez Malik said there were many opportunities for political differences and criticism, but the immediate priority was to unite against terrorism and secure the future of Pakistan and its coming generations.

He said hostile activities by a neighbouring country were no secret and national leadership would have to remain united to protect Pakistan from all threats. The federal minister said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and other leaders had repeatedly extended the hand of reconciliation and dialogue to opposition parties. He maintained that the state was more important than any individual or political personality, adding that if the release of an individual or a political interest was considered more important than national interests, it was a matter of concern.

He said Prime Minister had decided that every necessary step would be taken to make Pakistan secure and that the country’s leadership would not compromise on its sovereignty and dignity.

Regional situation and Saudi Arabia

Discussing the regional situation, Ali Pervez Malik said Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and other leaders were making continuous efforts for an end to regional tensions and the establishment of lasting peace.

He expressed hope that these efforts would pave the way for a permanent ceasefire and peace, stressing that sustainable solutions to regional problems could only be achieved through dialogue and peaceful means.

The minister said Pakistan was concerned over attacks on oil installations near Riyadh and disruptions to maritime routes near Bab-el-Mandeb by the Houthis, and condemned such attacks.

Referring to the Makkah agreement involving Pakistan, Turkiye and Saudi Arabia, he said Pakistan would not leave its brotherly country Saudi Arabia alone and would stand alongside Saudi Arabia in cooperation with Turkiye.

He said Saudi Arabia had played an important role in ensuring oil supplies to Pakistan during difficult times, for which Pakistan was grateful.

Ali Pervez Malik said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had tasked him with travelling to Riyadh to meet the Saudi energy minister and convey Pakistan’s appreciation for Saudi cooperation during the difficult situation.

He said Pakistan highly valued its longstanding relations and cooperation with Saudi Arabia.

Winter energy planning

The petroleum minister stressed that advance planning regarding international prices and availability of crude oil, petrol, diesel, gas and LPG was essential to protect consumers from possible energy shortages and inflationary pressures.

He said the government was taking decisions in advance to minimise the impact of the global energy crisis on the people and was determined to ensure adequate fuel supplies.

Ali Pervez Malik also appreciated Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz workers and local leaders, describing party workers as a valuable asset. He said they had always conveyed the voice and concerns of the people to the leadership while rising above personal likes and dislikes.

He said that when the political arena became active with the upcoming local government elections, party workers would be given their due role.

The federal minister reiterated that the government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, would continue its efforts to reduce public difficulties, safeguard national security and work for a permanent end to the ongoing conflict and instability in the region.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026