Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) has issued a recent report about the Sui Development and Production Lease (D&PL). The successful execution of the D&PL is contingent upon the signing of the Sui Petroleum Concession Agreement and the fulfillment of the terms outlined in the Lease. PPL seeks to clear any confusion and underscores that its commitment to a collaborative and constructive partnership with the GoB remains firm. The company continues to actively engage with the provincial government and is fully dedicated to supporting the development of the region, including communities in Dera Bugti, Sui, and across Baluchistan. PPL remains steadfast in its efforts to contribute to the welfare and sustainable growth of Baluchistan, and looks forward to working together with the Government of Baluchistan to advance shared goals. PPL emphasizes that discussions regarding the D&PL with the relevant authorities and stakeholders, including the Government of Baluchistan (GoB), remain positive and ongoing.

The Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB), in alliance with the Punjab Mines and Minerals Department, has successfully geo-tagged over 3,600 mineral reserves as part of an initiative to improve safety and transparency in the mining sector. This substantial expansion is made possible through the Chief Inspectorate of Mines App, a digital tool developed by PITB that aims to modernize mining oversight and ensure more effective regulatory compliance. The Chief Inspectorate of Mines App facilitates digital inspections across mining sites in seven regions of Punjab, where a team of 14 inspectors has conducted over 1,600 inspections to date. The app enables real-time monitoring of critical safety equipment, including emergency rescue tools, and allows for timely reporting of incidents, further enhancing safety standards across the sector. The initiative reflects the government's commitment to modernizing the mining sector and improving the safety of workers, ultimately fostering a more accountable and sustainable industry. The geo-tagging of mineral reserves and the implementation of the Chief Inspectorate of Mines App are pivotal steps in transforming how mining activities are regulated and monitored in Punjab, aligning with global best practices for safety and transparency in resource management.

The draft of the Pakistan Shipping Policy 2024 seeks to modernize the country’s maritime sector by enhancing the attractiveness of the industry for both domestic and foreign investors while providing necessary financial protections to shipping companies. This new policy is set to replace the Pakistan Merchant Marine Policy 2001, and its 2019 revision, aligning with the standards and regulations of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The policy introduces a legislative framework that guarantees a surety bond for ship owners if their vessels are detained or seized within Pakistan’s territorial waters. The draft proposes a reduced payment rate for newly registered Pakistani shipping companies. They would pay $0.75 per gross registered tonnage (GRT) for a period of five years, a reduction from the current rate of $1 per GRT paid by the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC). This rebate of $0.25 per GRT is designed to incentivize new domestic and national investors to enter the maritime industry by lowering initial operating costs. The policy suggests that registered Pakistani shipping companies should be allowed to seek financing from foreign financial institutions and banks. A proposal has been put forward to grant tax exemptions for the first 10 years to new foreign shipping companies operating in Pakistan.

Pakistan State Oil (PSO) is set to become the second Pakistani company, after Pakistan LNG Limited (PLL), to import gas from Azerbaijan's energy giant, SOCAR, following the signing of a Sale Purchase Agreement (SPA). This marks a significant milestone in enhancing Pakistan’s energy imports and diversifying its LNG supply sources. The Sale Purchase Agreement will enable PSO to access natural gas from Azerbaijan, further strengthening bilateral energy ties between the two nations. This follows the earlier success of Pakistan LNG Limited (PLL), which signed a framework agreement with SOCAR for the import of liquefied natural gas (LNG) under flexible terms for a one-year period. In January 2024, PLL successfully secured its second LNG cargo from SOCAR under this government-to-government framework agreement, highlighting the ongoing collaboration between Pakistan and Azerbaijan in the energy sector. The new SPA with PSO is expected to complement PLL's efforts and further diversify Pakistan's LNG supply, ensuring more competitive and stable energy imports. This development underscores Pakistan’s commitment to securing low-cost LNG and strengthening its energy security by tapping into Azerbaijan's abundant energy resources. The partnership with SOCAR is poised to enhance Pakistan’s energy infrastructure, contributing to the country’s long-term energy needs and economic growth.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved an $86.2 million technical assistance project to develop a Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production facility in Pakistan. This project aims to convert local waste materials into high-value, eco-friendly aviation fuel, positioning Pakistan as a key player in the rapidly growing global SAF industry. The SAF facility will produce an environmentally sustainable alternative to conventional aviation fuel, contributing to reducing the aviation sector's greenhouse gas emissions. As part of the global push toward climate goals, this project supports Pakistan’s commitment to clean energy and climate action, while also providing significant economic benefits. The project will be led by Bio Tech Energy (BTE), a pioneer in bio-diesel production in Pakistan. BTE will use waste-based feedstock, such as used cooking oil, poultry feather acid oil, and soap stock acid oil, which are already utilized in BTE’s existing biodiesel plant. The facility aims to collect 260,000 tons of feedstock annually—around 20% of Pakistan’s total collectable feedstock—by expanding collection points in major cities like Karachi, Peshawar, and Islamabad. This SAF production facility is expected to create new economic opportunities, support local industries, and contribute to Pakistan's growing role in the global renewable energy sector. The project also aligns with the country’s commitment to sustainable practices and environmental stewardship in the energy and aviation sectors.