Pakistan Restarts Offshore Oil Exploration After 20 Years

Pakistan is poised to resume offshore oil and gas exploration for the first time in two decades, following the arrival of a Turkish Petroleum seismic survey vessel in Karachi between November 17 and 20. Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik convened a high-level meeting in Islamabad to coordinate security, maritime, and operational arrangements for the vessel's arrival and the subsequent offshore campaign.

Malik hailed the project as a significant milestone in Pakistan-Türkiye energy relations and pledged his support, vowing to personally receive the Turkish vessel in Karachi. He emphasized that the endeavor would bolster Pakistan's energy security.

Seismic surveys serve to map the seabed for potential oil and gas reserves before any drilling commences. Pakistan's offshore waters have experienced minimal exploration during the past two decades, despite the nation's heavy reliance on imported fuel. The Turkish vessel's arrival marks the fulfillment of earlier Pakistan-Türkiye plans for joint offshore endeavors, and follows Pakistan's awarding of major offshore exploration blocks in a substantial bid round last year.

Energy officials assert that the survey represents a preliminary step towards discovering additional domestic resources and reducing dependency on imports.