Pakistan Receives First Discounted Russian Oil Amid Economic Crisis

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif waves as he arrives to meet leaders of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM-P) and collation partners of the newly formed government during his visit in Karachi on April 13, 2022. Asif Hassan/AFP via Getty Images

Cash-strapped Pakistan has received its first cargo of discounted Russian crude oil, Pakistan’s leader said on June 11, as Pakistan seeks to forge ties with heavily sanctioned Russia amid its declining foreign reserves.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the first shipment of Russian crude oil was set to be unloaded at Karachi port on June 12.