Page 68 - CMA Journal (Mar-Apr 2026)

F O CU S A R T ICL E

Key Strategic Priorities for Pakistan from Regional Best Practices

Strategic Priority Best Practice Source Relevance for Pakistan
Build Strategic LNG Storage Japan, South Korea Reduces risk of short-term geopolitical supply
disruptions
Use Long-Term LNG Contracts Japan, China, India Lowers exposure to volatile spot LNG markets
Diversify Suppliers Beyond Gulf India, South Korea Reduces overdependence on Strait of Hormuz routes
Accelerate Renewables India, Pakistan (emerging), Lowers structural LNG import burden
China
Set Emergency Procurement Frameworks Bangladesh, Pakistan Ensures supply continuity during crises
Expand Digital Subsidy Targeting Pakistan (existing) Can be expanded for broader social protection
Promote Energy E ciency & Conservation Multiple Asian economies Reduces fuel burden during crisis periods
Strengthen Regional Diplomacy Pakistan Supports geopolitical de-escalation & price stability

Based on the structural transformation in global commodity markets, Asia’s LNG crisis experience, and Pakistan’s speci c
vulnerabilities, ICMA may propose the following integrated policy framework for government and policymakers:

ICMA Policy Framework for Pakistan (2026 & beyond)
Priority Strategic Recommendation Practical Actions Expected Outcomes
LNG Contracts Shift from spot buying to long- Secure multi-regional LNG contracts (Qatar, Lower exposure to price spikes &
term diversified sourcing US, Australia, Africa); institutionalize supply shocks
hedging; improve state procurement
Route Diversification Reduce reliance on Strait of Expand non-Gulf sourcing; pursue pipeline Stronger geopolitical resilience
Hormuz & Gulf chokepoints diplomacy (Central Asia, Iran if feasible);
diversify shipping routes
Renewables Accelerate domestic Scale solar, wind, hydropower, battery Lower import dependence &
renewables as structural storage, distributed generation, net- greater energy sovereignty
hedge metering
Fuel Flexibility Institutionalize alternative fuel Upgrade LNG plants for multi-fuel use; Better power continuity during
contingency plans preserve coal, hydel & renewable balancing crises
systems
Fiscal Buffers Create commodity shock Establish energy stabilization funds; variable Protect public purchasing power
stabilization funds levies; fiscal contingency reserves & macroeconomic discipline
Digital Subsidies Replace broad subsidies with Link petrol/RLNG subsidy platforms with Efficient relief for the poor with
targeted digital support BISP & social safety nets less fiscal leakage

Energy Conservation Launch national energy Use work-from-home, fuel quotas, public Lower import burden during
conservation strategy transport incentives, industrial efficiency crises
standards
Risk Monitoring Institutionalize commodity Create National Commodity Risk Monitoring Better anticipation of global
intelligence & scenario Unit under economic planning agencies shocks
planning
Food Security Reduce imported inflation Build strategic edible oil reserves; stabilize Greater resilience to food &
transmission fertilizers; promote domestic oilseeds fertilizer inflation
Energy Diplomacy Use energy diplomacy as Strengthen ties with Gulf states, Central Better access to emergency
economic security tool Asia, China & multilateral bodies finance & stable supply
Industrial Support Shield export sectors from Provide temporary industrial energy support Protect industrial growth & jobs
energy cost shocks during crises; link incentives to productivity

ICMA’s Chartered Management Accountant, Mar-Apr 2026 66