{
  "id": 15181530,
  "title": "Attacks on Gulf energy infrastructure 'worrying' for Pakistan’s economic outlook: finance minister",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/attacks-on-gulf-energy-infrastructure-worrying-for-pakistans-economic",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-10-17T11:15:42.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Business Recorder",
    "slug": "business-recorder",
    "url": "https://www.brecorder.com/news/40444674/attacks-on-gulf-energy-infrastructure-worrying-for-pakistans-economic-outlook-finance-minister"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb expressed concern over recent attacks on energy infrastructure in the Gulf, warning it could negatively impact Pakistan's long-term economic outlook. Speaking at the IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings in Bangkok, Aurangzeb stated that Pakistan had managed to withstand the shock of rising energy prices due to the Iran war, with the country procuring enough supplies to last through November. The finance minister noted that the first-order impact of the crisis had been well-managed, with no shortages, gas station queues, or law and order issues. However, he expressed worry about the potential consequences of attacks on energy infrastructure, stating that it would delay a return to economic normalcy. Aurangzeb emphasized that unless the government saw an \"absolute dire need,\" no spot cargoes on the LNG front would be procured, as they tend to be significantly more expensive than previously contracted shipments. The recent escalation in the Iran war has led to a surge in global energy prices as Tehran's retaliatory actions have targeted Washington's Gulf allies and curtailed oil and gas supplies. With Yemen's civil war also reigniting, the Houthis have attacked Saudi infrastructure, including energy facilities and airports, in recent days. Aurangzeb emphasized the importance of addressing tax evasion, stating that while the country's tax revenues had grown significantly in recent years, there was still room for improvement in tax collection, particularly from sales tax theft by private sector businesses.",
  "summary": "BANGKOK, Thailand: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on Saturday told AFP the country had so far withstood the shock from skyrocketing energy prices due to the Iran war, but that attacks on infrastructure in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries were “worrying” for the country’s longer-term economic outlook. In an interview on the sidelines of the IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings in Bangkok,…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}