Pakistan received its second Qatari Liquefied Natural Gas tanker at Port Qasim in Karachi, marking a significant diplomatic success as tensions continue across the Middle East. Reports indicate that senior leaders from Pakistan, Qatar and Iran worked closely to ensure the safe passage of both LNG shipments through the Strait of Hormuz during the ongoing regional conflict.
The arrival comes after QatarEnergy declared force majeure on several long-term LNG commitments following attacks linked to the Iran-US-Israel confrontation, which damaged parts of Qatar’s Ras Laffan Industrial City and disrupted production capacity.
It remains unclear whether Pakistan purchased the LNG cargoes at expensive spot market rates or under the long-term 2016 agreement tied to Brent crude prices. Questions also remain over transit arrangements and possible security clearances linked to Iranian authorities.
Officials say Pakistan has so far avoided an energy supply crisis through careful planning, adequate reserves and active diplomacy, though rising fuel prices continue to burden consumers. Economic experts, however, warn that deeper structural weaknesses still threaten Pakistan’s long-term stability.
