Good reach Pakistan in trucks from Russia after oil tanker arrived in June

By Islamuddin Sajid

ISLAMABAD (AA) - Goods have reached Pakistan from Russia after an oil tanker arrived in June amid increasing trade between Islamabad and Moscow.

The Russian Embassy in Islamabad said the first truck of goods reached Pakistan from Russia under the Transport International Routes (TIR) Convention.

"By May 2023, trade between Russia and Pakistan grew by almost 50% and amounted to more than $760 m (million). Another step towards strengthening cooperation in trade between," it tweeted.

Last month, the first cargo of “discounted” crude oil from Russia arranged under a deal between Islamabad and Moscow arrived in Pakistan.

The Pure Point cargo vessel was carrying more than 45,000 metric tons of crude oil.

The procurement of crude oil has long been at the center of local politics, particularly after the visit of former Prime Minister Imran Khan before Russia launched its war against Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022.

Khan, who was ousted in a no-confidence vote in parliament less than two months later, claimed his visit to Moscow was one of the reasons behind his ouster.

Currently, Pakistan meets 80% of its oil requirements, or 154,000 barrels per day, through Gulf and Arab suppliers, mainly Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.