Pakistan and the United States have agreed to strengthen cooperation in the energy sector, with a particular emphasis on oil, gas, and minerals. This decision was reached during a meeting between Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik and US Charge d’Affaires to Pakistan, Natalie A. Baker, at the Ministry of Petroleum in Islamabad.
The discussions focused on bolstering bilateral ties to unlock investment and technological opportunities in Pakistan’s energy landscape. Natalie A. Baker reaffirmed the strong interest of US companies in Pakistan’s oil, gas, and minerals sector, citing alignment with the strategic vision of the US administration. She emphasized the active role the US Embassy is playing in facilitating direct connections between American firms and their Pakistani counterparts, especially in the exploration and production segment. According to Baker, the US is committed to working closely with Pakistan to unlock the sector’s significant potential.
Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to attract international investment, including plans for new bidding rounds for both onshore and offshore oil and gas exploration blocks. He underlined that Pakistan’s vast untapped reserves, particularly in shale oil and gas, present notable opportunities for global partners. The Minister added that the government is already exchanging information with US companies as part of this effort.
Both officials pointed to the recent success of the “Direct Line” webinar, an initiative aimed at connecting US companies with opportunities in Pakistan’s mineral sector. They suggested that this model could be replicated in the country’s oil and gas industry to further expand cooperation.
Baker also noted that after substantial progress in counterterrorism dialogue, both countries are now aiming to advance their partnership on economic and energy matters.
The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to deepen the energy partnership between Pakistan and the United States, leveraging American technology and investment to boost economic and energy growth for both nations.
