Islamabad: Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Energy and Power Nazir Ahmed Abbasi convened a meeting to address strategic energy issues, focusing on oil and gas supply, the security of exploration activities, and the province’s energy challenges. This meeting, which included the Secretary of Energy and Power from the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, underscored the commitment to ensuring stable and uninterrupted energy supplies.
According to Press Information Department, Federal Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik provided insights into the current oil supply situation and the impact of international petroleum market volatility on the domestic energy sector. He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s dedication to maintaining consistent energy supplies. Coordination with security forces is underway to secure exploration and production activities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a move deemed essential for sustaining and expanding these efforts.
KP Minister Nazir Ahmed Abbasi recognized the importance of addressing security concerns to facilitate exploration and production operations, pledging the provincial government’s full support. Both ministers agreed on the necessity of enhanced coordination among the Federal Government, security forces, and the provincial government to create a secure environment for exploration activities.
The discussion also highlighted the potential benefits of increased exploration activities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which could bolster Pakistan’s domestic energy security and augment provincial royalty revenues. The KP Minister noted the province’s higher-than-average success rate of wells, suggesting significant potential for further exploration and investment.
Regarding gas supply challenges, the Federal Minister attributed pressures to the disruptions in international energy markets due to ongoing conflicts. He signaled that supply and distribution arrangements might be reassessed when circumstances improve. Additionally, a proposal for the provincial government to establish an LPG company was discussed, aimed at meeting the energy needs of residents in remote areas.
Officials from the Petroleum Division outlined the allocation of LPG to hilly and forest areas and assured that detailed information would be communicated to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Government.
Federal Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik instructed Petroleum Division officials to collaborate closely with the KP Energy Department to address the province’s energy issues comprehensively. Emphasizing Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s directive to prioritize public welfare, he called for collective efforts to resolve issues affecting the populace, advocating for a non-political approach to public welfare.
KP Minister Nazir Ahmed Abbasi concurred, emphasizing collaborative problem-solving to improve conditions for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa residents. The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of both governments’ commitment to enhanced coordination, investment in the energy sector, improved security for exploration activities, and better energy access for the province’s people.