Pakistan not in any camp: Malik

Islamabad: Petroleum Minister Musadik Malik has rejected the allegations levelled by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) that the previous government was booted out of power for its tilt towards Russia.

Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, Malik said: “The reality is that the Russian crude oil arrived under the very government that PTI accuses was installed through a US conspiracy. The PTI’s accusations are not only baseless but also an attempt to distract from their own lack of policy and investment initiatives.”

Earlier, PTI leader Hamad Azhar refuted the PTI’s claim that it had clinched an agreement with Russia for the import of Russian oil saying no official correspondence existed at the ministry to suggest such a plan, and the Russian ambassador himself has denied any such proposal.”

Malik stressed “We are not oscillating between geopolitical groupings. Pakistan is firmly in one camp – the Pakistani camp.” He cited negotiations with the US to import green ammonia and hydrogen, contradicting the notion that Pakistan was shifting loyalties between the US and Russia.

The minister also outlined future strategies and partnerships, mentioning talks with a Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, excluding Saudi Arabia, for a $10 billion investment to upgrade an existing refinery.

He said “We’re offering European countries the opportunity to set up LNG plants in Pakistan, as part of our government’s focus on infrastructure improvement.”
Malik stressed that all government actions were taken with the aim of alleviating the burden on those affected by inflation. He insisted, “Our goal is to benefit the masses, rather than favour any specific camp.”

He said as Pakistan looks forward to more stable and diversified energy sources, the importance of transparent and strategic planning remains paramount.