ISLAMABAD: An LNG carrier transporting liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Qatar to Pakistan has come under attack near the Strait of Hormuz, raising uncertainty over the delivery of the gas shipment. The incident occurred despite reports that Pakistani authorities had secured permission from Iran for the vessel’s safe passage through the strategic waterway.
According to Bloomberg, the Marshall Islands-flagged LNG carrier Al Mayeda was carrying a shipment of Qatari gas destined for Pakistan. Sources familiar with the matter said Pakistani authorities had held diplomatic discussions with Iranian officials, following which Tehran granted the vessel permission to transit the Strait of Hormuz. However, the ship was reportedly attacked just hours after receiving the clearance on October 30. The identity of those responsible for the attack remains unknown.
🚨 پاکستان آنے والے قطری LNG ٹینکر پر آبنائے ہرمز کے قریب حملہ
یکم نومبر 2026 قطر سے پاکستان کے لیے LNG (مائع قدرتی گیس) لے جانے والا جہاز Al Mayeda جمعہ 30 اکتوبر کو خلیج فارس میں نامعلوم اشیا یا پروجیکٹائل کے حملے کا نشانہ بنا۔
اہم تفصیلات:
* جہاز پر قطر سے پاکستان کے لیے LNG کارگو موجود تھا۔
*پاکستان نے ایران سے جہاز کے محفوظ گزرنے کے لیے اجازت حاصل کی تھی۔
* اجازت ملنے کے چند گھنٹوں بعد جہاز کو حملے کا نشانہ بنایا گیا۔
* جہاز کے عملے کے تمام 25 افراد محفوظ ہیں، کسی کے زخمی ہونے کی اطلاع نہیں۔
* جہاز واپس خلیج فارس کی جانب مڑ گیا۔
* حملہ کس نے کیا، ابھی تک اس کی تصدیق نہیں ہوئی۔
* قطر کی کمپنی Nakilat کے مطابق جہاز محفوظ اور آپریشنل ہے، جبکہ نقصان کا جائزہ لیا جا رہا ہے۔
— DGISPR MarKhor 🪖 𓃝 (@DGISPRMarKhor) November 1, 2026
Qatar-based LNG transportation company Nakilat confirmed that its vessel Al Mayeda was struck by unidentified objects while sailing through Gulf waters on the evening of October 30.
According to the company, no crew members were injured and no environmental damage was reported. The vessel remains safe and operational, while an assessment of potential damage is under way. Nakilat also said it remains in contact with the crew and regional maritime security authorities to ensure their safety.
Bloomberg further reported that Pakistan had contacted Iranian authorities last month to arrange safe passage for several LNG carriers arriving from Qatar. Some of those vessels successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz and reached the Arabian Sea.
Following the latest incident, Al Mayeda changed course and headed back towards the Gulf. It remains unclear whether the vessel will resume its journey to Pakistan or whether the LNG shipment will reach its intended destination.
If the cargo fails to reach Pakistan, the country may have to purchase replacement LNG, potentially at a significantly higher cost. According to the report, prices in the international spot market are currently more than three times their pre-war levels.
Pakistani authorities have yet to issue a definitive statement on the status of the shipment, the possibility of purchasing replacement LNG, or any potential impact on domestic gas supplies.
