Türkiye’s Turkish Petroleum is expected to begin offshore drilling operations in Pakistan’s territorial waters soon, potentially opening a new chapter for investment and exploration in the country’s energy sector.
Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik announced the development during a press conference in Lahore, saying the offshore project could attract significant foreign investment while helping Pakistan accelerate efforts to discover new domestic oil and gas reserves.
Pakistan currently relies heavily on imported energy, with around 90% of its energy requirements met through imports. The country’s domestic oil production is estimated at approximately 70,000 barrels per day, compared with national demand of nearly 500,000 barrels per day.
The government hopes increased exploration and offshore drilling can help narrow this gap and reduce Pakistan’s dependence on expensive energy imports.
Malik said the government is also preparing a comprehensive energy-sector roadmap aimed at strengthening domestic production and improving the country’s overall energy security.
Alongside exploration efforts, authorities are working on measures to address circular debt and gas supply challenges. The minister also announced that LPG tenders were scheduled to open on Monday.
The offshore drilling initiative could become an important development for Pakistan if commercially viable oil or gas reserves are discovered. Successful exploration could potentially improve energy security, attract additional international investment and reduce pressure on the country’s import bill.
However, offshore exploration is a high-risk and capital-intensive process, and the project’s ultimate economic impact will depend on the results of drilling and subsequent development.
For Pakistan, the upcoming operation represents an opportunity to explore its largely untapped offshore potential while pursuing a broader strategy to strengthen domestic energy resources.
