Consistent Energy Policies Essential for Upstream Investment: Federal Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik
Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik emphasizes consistent policies for upstream sector investment
Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Petroleum, Ali Pervaiz Malik, highlighted the significance of consistent and predictable energy policies in attracting major investment in the country’s upstream exploration, particularly offshore projects, during his address at the Energy Conference 2026 on August 20, 2026.
Malik stated that Pakistan is revitalizing offshore exploration under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif after a two-decade hiatus. Friendly nations and companies like Mari Petroleum, Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL), and Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) are actively participating.
"If we expect investments of over a hundred million dollars for one well, we must provide policy consistency and medium-term visibility," Malik emphasized. He further urged investors to retain and reinvest profits from successful exploration in developing necessary infrastructure.
The minister identified Pakistan’s vulnerability to external shocks as its primary energy crisis. He advocated for making petroleum an integral part of the country’s medium-term national energy policy, calling for greater convergence and coordination among the petroleum, power, and water divisions.
Malik noted that the Cabinet Committee on Energy (CCoE), chaired by the Prime Minister, has been reactivated, with several meetings already held. He proposed that the committee should meet every two months to review developments across the energy value chain without a specific agenda.
"Every sector and division now needs to stand on its own feet," Malik concluded, adding that the Petroleum Division cannot continue bearing excessive taxation and financing burdens.
