US Firms Show Growing Interest in Pakistan’s Energy Sector

August 20, 2025

Pakistan and the United States have agreed to deepen cooperation in the energy sector, focusing on enhanced investment opportunities in oil, gas, and minerals. The move is aimed at unlocking Pakistan’s vast untapped reserves while strengthening bilateral economic relations.

During a meeting at the Ministry of Petroleum, Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik held discussions with US Charge d’Affaires Natalie A. Baker on areas of mutual collaboration.

Key Highlights

• US Interest in Energy Sector: Baker underscored the growing interest of American companies in Pakistan’s energy landscape and assured that the US Embassy will facilitate direct linkages between US firms and local players, particularly in the Exploration & Production (E&P) sector.
• Upcoming Exploration Opportunities: Minister Malik welcomed the interest and highlighted upcoming bidding rounds for offshore and onshore exploration blocks, calling them a “tremendous opportunity” for international investors.
• Focus on Shale Reserves: He further stressed Pakistan’s priority to develop its untapped shale oil and gas reserves, which remain a critical part of the country’s long-term energy strategy.
• Mineral Sector Success: Both sides noted the success of the recent “Direct Line” webinar connecting US companies with Pakistan’s mineral sector, and agreed to extend the model to oil and gas opportunities.

The renewed engagement signals a strategic push to attract US investment into Pakistan’s upstream and mineral sectors. If materialized, these partnerships could provide Pakistan with much-needed foreign capital, technology transfer, and resource development to meet its growing energy demands.