Pakistan has officially restarted offshore oil and gas exploration activities after nearly two decades, marking a major development in the country’s energy sector. The move is expected to strengthen domestic energy production and reduce reliance on imported fuels over the long term.
According to official sources, the government has completed production sharing agreements and issued exploration licenses to multiple national and international companies. The renewed offshore exploration will focus on key regions including the Indus and Makran offshore basins, where significant hydrocarbon potential is believed to exist.
Initial investment in the project is estimated at around $82 million, with the possibility of total investment reaching nearly $1 billion if drilling operations and further exploration progress successfully. Authorities say this financial commitment reflects growing confidence in Pakistan’s energy potential and investment-friendly policies.
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The Petroleum Division confirmed that 23 offshore blocks covering approximately 54,600 square kilometers have been awarded under the Offshore Bid Round 2025. Major energy companies, including Mari Energies Limited, Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL), and Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL), have received exploration rights for multiple blocks.
Officials stated that Mari Energies has been allocated 18 exploration blocks, while OGDCL and PPL together have received eight blocks. The government believes that this broad participation from leading energy firms will accelerate exploration activities and improve the chances of discovering new offshore reserves.
Federal Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik described the signing of offshore exploration agreements as a historic milestone in Pakistan’s energy policy. He emphasized that the revival of offshore drilling represents a strategic step toward strengthening energy security and supporting long-term economic stability.
Experts say that if successful, the offshore exploration program could play a crucial role in addressing Pakistan’s growing energy demand and improving its balance of payments by reducing oil and gas imports.
