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Malik Calls for Stronger Pakistan-Saudi Energy Cooperation at Riyadh Forum
Saudi energy cooperation with Pakistan must go deeper, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik said on Monday, as he addressed a global energy forum in Riyadh and condemned the Houthi attacks on Saudi territory.
Malik was speaking at a plenary session titled “Investment and Trade in Sustainable Energy Solutions: Making Energy Clean, Accessible and Affordable” at the 17th International Energy Forum (IEF) Ministerial Meeting. He attended at the invitation of Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman.
Pakistan stands “shoulder to shoulder” with Saudi Arabia
“Pakistan strongly condemns the terrorist attacks by the Houthi militia on Saudi soil,” Malik said, offering condolences over the loss of life. He said Pakistan stood shoulder to shoulder with the Kingdom in its current difficulties.
He added that his participation reflected Pakistan’s solidarity with Saudi Arabia, in line with the instructions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir.
Malik arrived in Saudi Arabia on Saturday, petroleum ministry spokeswoman Rabia Khalid confirmed. The IEF ministerial, hosted by Saudi Arabia and co-hosted by Italy and Nigeria, brings together officials and executives from companies including Saudi Aramco, ExxonMobil, Shell and BP.
A new investment cycle — and Pakistan’s pitch
Addressing the forum, Malik said the global energy sector was entering a new investment cycle in which energy security, affordability and sustainability needed to advance together. He stressed the need for investment not only in renewable energy but also in hydrocarbons, critical minerals and essential infrastructure, including electricity grids and pipelines.
He referred to the unprecedented global energy supply shock of 2026, saying the crisis had extended beyond oil and gas to affect shipping and insurance. Despite its heavy reliance on imported energy, Pakistan had weathered the crisis without rationing major energy sources, he said — supported by the government’s response and cooperation from friendly countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait.
The sidebar meetings that matter
The plenary was only part of the trip. On the sidelines, Malik met Libya’s Oil and Gas Minister Khalifa Rajab Abdulsadek to discuss bilateral cooperation in oil and gas. Pakistan has encouraged its refineries to explore importing Libyan crude as part of efforts to diversify supply and keep alternatives open if key maritime routes such as the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab al-Mandeb are disrupted.
He also held a breakfast meeting with Qatar’s Energy Minister Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi to explore cooperation in the liquefied natural gas sector, and met Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar. Turkiye’s petroleum company plans to deploy a seismic vessel for data collection in the Indus Basin next month, exploring crude oil and natural gas in Pakistan’s offshore exclusive economic zone.
Malik thanked Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman for personally steering energy cooperation with Pakistan.
Why stronger Saudi energy cooperation is urgent, not ceremonial
The call for stronger Saudi energy cooperation comes at a moment of genuine pressure. The weekend’s Houthi strikes forced the extended closure of Riyadh airport, in which a Pakistani national was killed — the backdrop against which Malik’s condemnation was delivered.
At home, the energy crunch is biting. QatarEnergy, a major LNG supplier under long-term agreements, has suspended deliveries until November 5, forcing Islamabad to seek alternative supplies ahead of winter. Petrol prices have approached Rs400 a litre after rising about Rs145 a litre through 2026, though the latest revision cut the petrol price by Rs2.93 for October 13.
Pakistan has also been pushing its refineries to explore Libyan crude imports as part of the same diversification drive. Malik’s Riyadh meetings — with Libya, Qatar and Turkiye — are the diplomatic half of that strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Pakistan’s petroleum minister in Saudi Arabia?
Ali Pervaiz Malik travelled to Riyadh to attend the 17th International Energy Forum Ministerial Meeting, where he addressed a plenary on investment and trade in sustainable energy solutions.
What did Malik say about the Houthi attacks?
He strongly condemned the Houthi attacks on Saudi soil, offered condolences over the loss of life, and said Pakistan stood shoulder to shoulder with Saudi Arabia.
Who did Malik meet on the sidelines?
He met Libya’s Oil and Gas Minister Khalifa Rajab Abdulsadek on crude imports, Qatar’s Energy Minister Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi on LNG cooperation, and Turkiye’s Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar on offshore exploration in the Indus Basin.
Why does Pakistan need stronger energy cooperation now?
QatarEnergy has suspended LNG deliveries until November 5, petrol prices have neared Rs400 a litre, and winter gas demand is approaching — making diversified supplies urgent.
