KARACHI: The United States on Friday expressed its interest in investing in renewable energy projects in Pakistan, only two days after a senior official in Washington said his country wanted to prevent the construction of a gas pipeline originating from Iran to the Pakistani port city of Gwadar.
Pakistan and Iran agreed to build the gas pipeline in 2009, but the project has been stalled due to American hostility to it along with international sanctions targeting the administration in Tehran.
However, Pakistan finds itself in a precarious situation since the bilateral agreement includes stipulations that can lead to financial penalties if either party fails to carry out the project.
US Ambassador Donald Blome held a meeting with Pakistan’s power minister Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari to discuss clean energy options for the country.
“The US Ambassador expressed interest of US-based Companies and DFC [US International Development Finance Corporation] in investing in renewable energy projects, aligning with Pakistan’s goal to double the share of renewables in its energy mix over the next 8-10 years under Sustainable Development Goal 7,” said a statement issued by the power ministry after the meeting.
“In addition, the US Ambassador highlighted the importance of upcoming Economic Dialogue in USA and requested a strong presence from Pakistan side,” it added.
The dialogue provides a structured forum where government officials, business leaders and experts from the United States and a partner country meet regularly to discuss economic issues, trade, investment and other areas of economic cooperation.
The specific nature and frequency of such dialogues can vary depending on the countries involved and the agreements they have in place.
Ambassador Blome’s interaction with Pakistan’s power minister follows US Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lu’s Congressional testimony wherein he discussed the Iran-Pakistan pipeline and said the US administration wanted to have a conversation with the government in Islamabad over it.
“What are Pakistan’s other [energy] alternatives,” he said during the hearing. “How can we compete for that business? Where can they find other non-Iranian sources of natural gas and how can we help Pakistan?”
He pointed out that Pakistan was “very interested” in making a transition to clean energy while suggesting the US could constructively play a role over there.
The Pakistani minister mentioned his country’s energy efficiency initiatives to reduce electricity consumption and promote energy conservation in the country.
He also requested for US assistance in unlocking the Green Climate Fund, established under the United Nations framework in 2010, to help Pakistan equip itself for the impending environmental challenges.
US shows interest in investing in Pakistan renewable energy with eye to counter Iran pipeline
https://arab.news/9ezt9
US shows interest in investing in Pakistan renewable energy with eye to counter Iran pipeline
- Pakistan’s power minister seeks US assistance in unlocking Green Climate Fund to prepare for environmental challenges
- The American envoy calls for a strong Pakistani presence at the upcoming economic dialogue over trade, investment in US
Pakistan PM gives 48 hours to draft fuel-saving plan as global oil prices surge
- Government warns against hoarding after sharp fuel price hike amid Middle East tensions
- PM wants provinces to enforce anti-profiteering measures and prevent public exploitation
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has asked his administration to formulate a strategy for fuel conservation and austerity in government affairs within 48 hours after a sharp rise in global oil prices pushed the country to increase domestic fuel rates, a senior minister said on Saturday.
The directive comes a day after the government raised petrol and diesel prices by Rs55 ($0.20) per liter, citing a surge in international energy prices triggered by escalating conflict in the Middle East after Israel and the United States launched attacks on Iran. The situation has rattled global oil markets and threatened key shipping routes.
Pakistan’s Information Minister Ataullah Tarar said Sharif had instructed officials to urgently prepare a practical plan aimed at reducing fuel consumption and promoting austerity across government institutions.
“The prime minister has given 48 hours to formulate an actionable strategy on savings, austerity and simplicity in government affairs,” he said in a social media post on X.
Tarar said Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik had also been tasked with consulting the country’s four provincial chief ministers to coordinate measures against fuel hoarding and ensure strict enforcement of government directives.
He informed the ministers had been asked to ensure that speculation and profiteering in fuel markets were prevented, adding that authorities would take strict action against violators.
“The prime minister has directed that no leniency be shown to elements involved in exploiting the public,” he said, warning that licenses of those petrol pumps violating government orders could be revoked.
Tarar also urged the public not to pay attention to rumors regarding petroleum supplies or pricing, saying the government and relevant ministries would continue to release verified information as the situation evolves.
He said Pakistan was not alone in facing rising energy costs, noting that many countries were grappling with similar pressures due to volatility in global oil markets.
Pakistan relies heavily on imported fuel to meet its energy needs and is particularly vulnerable to global price shocks, which can quickly push up inflation and strain the country’s fragile external accounts.
