World Bank Backs Pakistan’s Gas Sector Reforms

Pakistan and the World Bank have reaffirmed their strong commitment to advancing reforms in the country’s energy sector with particular focus on long term gas sector sustainability and improved efficiency in Pakistan and the reason of World Bank Backs Pakistan’s Gas Sector Reforms to improve the energy sector of Pakistan. The understanding was reached during a high level meeting between Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik and World Bank Country Director for Pakistan Bolormaa Amgaabazar.

The meeting reviewed ongoing reforms and discussed future strategies aimed at strengthening Pakistan energy framework and addressing long standing sectoral challenges.

World Bank Praises Resolution of LNG Issue

During the discussion the World Bank Country Director appreciate the Petroleum Division for successfully resolving the long pending LNG issue that described it as a highly complex challenge. She commended Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik for taking personal ownership of gas sector sustainability and highlighting the government’s seriousness in addressing structural problems.

The World Bank reaffirmed its continued support for gas sector reforms, acknowledging the government’s efforts to bring stability and transparency to the energy sector.

Support for LPG Reforms and OGRA Capacity Building

Bolormaa Amgaabazar also express the World Bank’s willingness to collaborate on the reforms in the LPG sector and to support capacity building of the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) and Strengthening OGRA is seen as essential for better regulation, pricing transparency and improved governance across the energy value chain.

Roadmap for Gas Sector Reforms Underway

The World Bank revealed that it is already working closely with Pakistan’s Petroleum Ministry on a comprehensive gas sector reform roadmap. This roadmap includes:

To Improve sector performance and operational efficiency
By Ensuring the financial sustainability in country
By Unbundling of Sui gas companies
By Strengthening institutional and regulatory frameworks

These reforms aim to make the Pakistan gas sector more competitive, efficient and resilient for the future.

**World Bank Backs Pakistan’s Gas Sector Reforms**

Government Reiterate Commitment to Sustainable Policies

Pakistan Federal Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik thanks to the World Bank for recognizing Pakistan’s effort in resolving the LNG issue and emphasized that input from international development partners is crucial for formulating effective energy policies.

He reiterated the government’s firm commitment to long-term gas sector sustainability through structural and institutional reforms, and praised the World Bank’s analytical work as deep, strategic and forward-looking.

Improving Air Quality and Fuel Standards a Key Priority

The meeting also highlighted that improving Pakistan’s Air Quality Index (AQI) is a top government priority and both sides note that efforts are underway to enhance fuel quality standards which will require upgrading Pakistan’s oil refineries to meet modern environmental benchmarks. Cleaner fuel and improved refinery standards are expected to play a key role in reducing pollution and supporting sustainable development goals.

Conclusion

Pakistan and the World Bank have reaffirmed their resolve to continue close collaboration on energy sector reforms with a strong emphasis on gas sector sustainability, regulatory strengthening and environmental improvement in the Country With international support and committed leadership Pakistan aims to build a more efficient, transparent and sustainable energy sector which will support economic growth and environmental protection.