Pakistan and Turkiye are set to resume offshore oil and gas exploration after a gap of nearly 20 years, with a Turkish seismic vessel due to reach Karachi between 17 and 20 November.
The vessel, operated by Turkish Petroleum Offshore Company, will survey offshore areas to assess the country’s untapped energy reserves, in the first such campaign in two decades.
Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik chaired a high-level meeting on Friday to review the operational, logistical, maritime and security arrangements for the vessel’s arrival and the launch of the exploration campaign.
Describing the arrival as a milestone in bilateral energy cooperation, the minister said the government would extend full support to the initiative. He added that he would try to receive the vessel personally when it arrives in Karachi.
He assured the Turkish delegation of Pakistan’s full cooperation, saying both countries would work together towards a landmark success that would be remembered for generations.
The Petroleum Division and the relevant government departments were directed to coordinate closely so that all arrangements are completed in time and the vessel’s operations can proceed without delay.
The meeting was attended by the petroleum secretary, senior Petroleum Division officials, the Turkish Petroleum Offshore Company project manager, and the managing directors of Oil and Gas Development Company Ltd, Pakistan Petroleum Ltd and Government Holdings (Private) Ltd.
Representatives of the ministries of foreign affairs, maritime affairs, defence and interior also took part, along with the National Hydrographic Office, the Board of Investment and the Directorate General of Ports and Shipping.
The Turkish project manager appreciated the support extended by the Pakistani authorities and expressed confidence in the exploration initiative.
The project is expected to give fresh momentum to Pakistan’s largely dormant offshore exploration sector, which has struggled to attract sustained investment despite the country’s significant but mostly untapped offshore hydrocarbon potential. Its launch marks a new phase in the offshore drive while deepening energy cooperation between Pakistan and Turkiye.
