In an official letter, US energy giant ExxonMobil denies all allegations made by former PML-N prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and ex-finance minister Miftah Ismail regarding the construction of liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal in Pakistan.
The US company also said it will lodge a complaint against the PML-N leaders for making such “baseless claims.”
In a tweet on Monday, Maritime Affairs Minister Ali Zaidi shared the letter by ExxonMobil.
“GOP [Government of Pakistan] has received a reply to my letter to ExxonMobil regarding Khaqan & Miftah’s unfounded allegations,” the Minister tweeted.
“ExxonMobil not only denies the rubbish but also registers a complaint over such nonsense, stating that such baseless allegations discourage multinationals from investing in Pakistan,” he wrote on his official Twitter handle,” he further added.
GOP has rcvd a reply to my letter to ExxonMobil regarding Khaqan & Miftah’s unfounded allegations. ExxonMobil not only denies the rubbish but also registers a complaint over such nonsense, stating that such baseless allegations discourage multinationals from investing in Pakistan https://t.co/PkCLbKCpBZ pic.twitter.com/piamrVSacx
— Ali Haider Zaidi (@AliHZaidiPTI) August 2, 2021
In the letter, the US energy giant expressed concern over allegations leveled by Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Miftah Ismail.
“We are deeply concerned with references to Pakistani entities pursuing actions inconsistent with our standards. I can confirm that ExxonMobil has not witnessed any such unethical practices,” it added.
Furthermore, the US firm said it will register a complaint with the relevant Pakistani authorities over “unfounded allegations” against the PML-N leaders.
“The politicization of business can raise concerns about the ability to do business in the country,” the letter said.
Lastly, the company thanked the government of Pakistan for providing support.
Ali Haider Zaidi sent the letter to Prime Minister’s Office, requesting an investigation against Shahid Khaqan and Miftah Ismail. He further accused the PML-N leaders of corruption.
Read more: Shahid Khaqan admits to rigging elections, says no electoral reform can save Pakistan
ExxonMobil scraps plan for Pakistan
Last year, ExxonMobil scrapped a plan to establish a liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal in Pakistan.
“ExxonMobil is evaluating all appropriate steps to significantly reduce capital and operating expenses in the near term as a result of market conditions and commodity price decreases,” a company spokesperson told the media.
“This is part of our ongoing review to find further efficiencies and strengthen the company for the future.
“The decision does not impact our Downstream and Chemical business in Pakistan, and future investment opportunities in Pakistan will be evaluated.”
ExxonMobil exited the consortium and is not part of a deal to set up the LNG terminal in Pakistan anymore.
Read more: Pakistan misses shot, purchases LNG at all-time high