Federal and KP governments discuss security for oil and gas exploration

A meeting between Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Energy and Power Nazir Ahmed Abbasi was held Tuesday to discuss strategic energy issues, oil and gas supply, security of exploration and production activities, and the energy challenges faced by the province. The Secretary of Energy and Power for the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was also present at the meeting.

Federal Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik briefed the KP minister on the prevailing oil supply situation and volatility in international petroleum markets. He highlighted the pressures facing the domestic energy sector due to developments in international markets and reiterated the federal government's commitment to ensuring stable and uninterrupted energy supplies.

The federal minister said the federal government, in coordination with security forces, is working on a comprehensive plan to ensure the security of exploration and production (E&P) activities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He emphasized that a secure operating environment is essential for sustaining and expanding exploration activities in the province.

KP Minister Nazir Ahmed Abbasi acknowledged that the security issue needs to be addressed to facilitate E&P operations and assured full support and cooperation from the provincial government. Both sides agreed that enhanced coordination among the federal government, security forces and the provincial government would be important for creating a secure environment for E&P activities.

Both sides agreed that increased exploration and production activities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa would not only strengthen Pakistan's domestic energy security but also boost royalty revenues for the province. The KP minister noted that the success ratio of wells in the province is higher than the global average, underscoring significant potential for further exploration and investment.

Discussing the gas challenges facing Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the federal minister explained that the ongoing war and resulting disruptions in international energy markets were placing pressure on gas supplies. He said that once the situation improves, supply and distribution arrangements could be reassessed in light of prevailing circumstances.

The KP minister also proposed that the provincial government establish an LPG company to serve people living in hilly and remote areas, utilizing the 10% LPG quota provided under the LPG Policy for such areas. Officials from the Petroleum Division briefed the meeting on LPG allocation to hilly and forest areas, and assured that specific details regarding allocation and supply would be shared with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government.

Federal Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik directed relevant officials of the Petroleum Division to coordinate closely with the KP Energy Department and facilitate the provincial government in addressing its energy-related issues in every possible manner.

The federal minister emphasized that Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif had directed the government to facilitate the people and safeguard the interests of the state. He stressed that politics must not come in the way of public welfare and that all stakeholders should work collectively to resolve issues affecting the people.

KP Minister Nazir Ahmed Abbasi agreed with the approach, stating that both governments should sit together, identify problems and find practical solutions to improve conditions for the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The meeting reaffirmed the commitment of both the federal and provincial governments to enhanced coordination, greater investment in the energy sector, improved security for E&P activities and better energy access for the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.