Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik met with US Charge d’Affaires to Pakistan Natalie A. Baker on Wednesday to explore new opportunities for energy sector cooperation. The discussion centered on oil, gas, and minerals, with both sides highlighting exciting potential ahead.
Baker emphasized the strong interest of US companies in Pakistan’s energy landscape and reaffirmed the commitment of the U.S. Embassy Islamabad, Pakistan to facilitate direct connections between American firms and Pakistani counterparts in the Exploration & Production sector. “The United States is ready to work with Pakistan and help unlock potential in oil, gas, and minerals,” she said.
Malik responded positively, pointing to Pakistan’s upcoming bidding rounds for offshore and onshore exploration blocks. He also underscored the nation’s significant untapped shale oil and gas reserves and reiterated the government’s priority of converting them into productive reserves. “We are already engaged in a positive information exchange with US companies,” he added.
Both officials commended the recent “Direct Line” webinar, which successfully linked American firms with opportunities in Pakistan’s mineral sector. They agreed this model could be adopted for the oil and gas industries going forward. The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to deepen energy cooperation and drive mutual economic growth.