ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has resumed offshore oil and gas exploration after a hiatus of nearly 20 years, marking a major shift in the country’s energy strategy. The move follows the finalization of production sharing agreements and the issuance of exploration licenses to multiple domestic and international companies.
According to an announcement by the Petroleum Division, 23 blocks covering an extensive area of 54,600 square kilometers in the Indus and Makran offshore basins have been approved under the Offshore Bid Round 2025. Mari Energies was allotted 18 blocks, while OGDCL and PPL received 8 exploration blocks each.
The initial phase of the project involves an investment of $82 million. However, officials confirmed that total investment is likely to reach approximately $1 billion if drilling progresses successfully.
Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik hailed the development as a transformative step in the government’s energy policy. “The signing of offshore oil and gas exploration agreements is a historic milestone,” Malik said in a statement.
The resumption of exploration is expected to boost domestic energy production, reduce reliance on imports, and attract foreign investment to Pakistan’s under-explored offshore territories.
