Arrival of Russian oil is good news for Pakistan and its people. It is the
beginning of new era and an important step towards re-directing the contours of
Pakistan’s foreign policy that is now more enmeshed with resource diplomacy such
as energy needs. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Mr. Shahbaz Sharif was very happy on
the occasion. The Cargo had been provided to Pakistan under a new deal struck
between Pakistan and Russia.
Russian Foreign Minister Mr. Sergey Lavrov also hailed Diplomatic ties and
raised the slogan, “Pakistan Russia Dosti Zindabad (Long Live for Pakistan
Russia Friendship)”. This was historic one and indicating warmth towards
Pakistan Russia Relations. Pakistan paid Russia in Chinese currency, this made
Pakistan convenient without having burden on Pakistan’s foreign exchange which
has shortage of dollars.
This is the first ever Russian oil Cargo to Pakistan and the beginning of a new
era of strong relationship between Pakistan and Russia.
On this historical occasion Foreign Minister of Russia Mr. Sergey Lavrov has
recorded following message on the occasion,
“Dear Citizens of Pakistan! I am going to congratulate you on 75th anniversary
of relation between two countries. We know the great respect that the Pakistani
people have about Russia and President Putin. We appreciate it very much.
There have been different periods over the past three quarters of the century.
However, Russia is always been interested in expanding cooperation with Pakistan
and under no circumstances has abandoned its commitment. We are willing to work
together on further engagement of our country and people strengthening mutual
benefits relations in politics, economic, culture, humanitarian field and other
areas. PAKISTAN RUSSIA DOSTI ZINDABAD.”
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Mian Shahbaz Sharif twitted to comment growing
relations between Pakistan and Russia.
“I have fulfilled another of my promises to the nation. Glad to announce that
first Russian discounted crude oil cargo has arrived in Karachi and will begin
oil discharge tomorrow.”
Today is a transforming day. We are moving one step at a time towards
prosperity, economic growth and energy security and affordability. This is the
first ever Russian cargo to Pakistan, and the beginning of a new relationship
between Pakistan and Russian Federation”. I commend all those who remained part
of this national endeavour and contributed to a translating the promise of
Russia oil import into reality.”.
Pakistan’s Petroleum Minister of State Mr. Musadiq Malik visited Russia and in
January 2023 a Russian delegation arrived in Islamabad and the deal was
finalized. In May,2023 direct shipping line started between Pakistan and Russia
in a bid to increase trade, economic and energy ties between the two countries.
After an inauguration ceremony in Karachi, a ship carrying 36,000 tons of goods
left the Karachi port for St Petersburg. A tanker carrying Russian oil reached
on June 11, 2023. Minister of State for Petroleum and energy Mr. Mosaddeq Malik
told the media that this is the first direct shipping line that has begun
between Pakistan and Russia. Pakistan need to do trade with USA, China and
Russia as well ,as we are not in a particular camp.
We are doing whatever is in interest of Pakistan. Russian Consul General of
Karachi Andrey Fedorov said his country wanted to strengthen ties with Pakistan
in trade and other sectors and start of direct shipping line is part of it. Mr.
Andrey Fedorov and his consul Mr. Dmitry Petrov are highly motivated, committed
and dedicated persons and they leave no stone unturned to strengthening and
cementing ties between Pakistan and Russia. I am proud that I am part of
Pakistan Russia friendship and I have been given full support by Chief Executive
of the News Lark in this regard. The News Lark is the first newspaper which took
initiative and published research-based information, analysis and authentic
reports about Russia while others were busy giving negative information about
Russia from western sources.
Former Ambassador of Pakistan in Russia Mr. Qazi Muhammad Khalil said there is a
lot of scope for Pakistan to export rice, fruits, vegetables and a direct
shipping line between the two countries will help to enhance trade ties between
the two countries.
The New Shipping service is the outcome of an agreement between Pak Shaheen
(Pvt) Limited and Russian Express Line Service Neco Line. Under the agreement
first shipment MV Crystal sailed from St. Petersburg, Russia and berth at
Karachi Port on 25th May,2023.
Direct shipping service between Pakistan and Russia would facilitate two
countries to take advantage of the available trade opportunities this will
significantly increase mutual trade and largely benefit Pakistani exports.
Previously it consumed a lot of time in exporting commodities to Russia through
trans -shipment points.
Now the direct shipping service will help exporters ramp up shipments by taking
advantage of reduced shipping time. Delaying delivery of Pakistani products to
the Russian market was benefiting the competing countries and was disadvantage
for Pakistani exporters. It took 50 days for Pakistani fruit shipment to reach
the Russian market via transshipment through a third country, but now through
the direct shipping services export consignment would reach there with 19 to 24
days. This will pave the way for enhancement of trade volume between Pakistan
and Russia.
Pakistan and Russia have immense opportunities to further strengthen their ties
in trade, defence, technical education and need Russian support in transferring
technology and to educate its youth who are 60% of Pakistan. There is need to
send more Pakistani students to Russian universities, to start online Russian
language programme and single country Pakistan exhibition in Russia and Russian
single country exhibition in Pakistan.