Pakistan to Resume Offshore Oil and Gas Exploration After 20-Year Gap with Turkish Petroleum Survey

Pakistan is preparing to resume offshore oil and gas exploration after a gap of roughly 20 years, starting with a seismic survey to be carried out by Turkish Petroleum, according to reporting by ProPakistani. The step marks a renewed push to map the country's maritime energy potential after a long period in which offshore drilling activity largely stalled.

The survey is expected to gather geological data from Pakistan's offshore blocks, helping authorities and international partners assess where commercially viable hydrocarbon reserves may exist. Seismic imaging is typically the first stage of exploration, allowing companies to identify promising drilling sites before committing to the far more expensive process of sinking exploration wells.

For Pakistan, the initiative carries significant economic weight. The country has long depended on imported crude oil and liquefied natural gas, leaving its economy exposed to global price swings and pressure on foreign exchange reserves. A meaningful domestic offshore discovery could, over time, improve energy security and reduce the import bill, though officials and analysts caution that exploration is a lengthy and uncertain process.

The involvement of Turkish Petroleum reflects deepening energy cooperation between Islamabad and Ankara, which has expanded in recent years across areas including refining, shipping and exploration. Bringing in an experienced international partner is seen as important for reviving confidence in Pakistan's offshore sector, which has struggled to attract major investors since earlier exploration rounds produced limited results.

Key details, including the timeline for the survey, the specific offshore blocks involved and the investment committed, were not fully disclosed in the initial reporting. Further information is expected as the survey moves forward.

The restart of offshore exploration is likely to be closely watched by policymakers, investors and energy sector stakeholders, particularly given the country's ongoing efforts to stabilise its economy and secure affordable, reliable energy supplies for households and industry.