Offshore oil and gas exploration in Pakistan is set to resume after a long gap, with a seismic vessel operated by the Turkish Petroleum Offshore Company (TPOC) expected to reach Karachi between November 17 and 20. Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik reviewed preparations for the ship's arrival at a high-level meeting on Friday. Officials said the campaign would mark a return to offshore hydrocarbon exploration after nearly two decades.
Preparations for the vessel's arrival
At the meeting, officials discussed the operational, logistical, maritime and security arrangements needed for the Pakistan offshore exploration campaign. Malik called the project an important milestone in relations with Türkiye, pointing to the Mecca Agreement between the two countries. He said it would open a new chapter in bilateral cooperation, and he added that he would try to receive the vessel personally when it reaches Karachi.
The petroleum secretary urged government departments and other stakeholders to coordinate closely so that the vessel's arrival and operations run smoothly. The TPOC project manager thanked Pakistani authorities for their support and said he was confident about the initiative. Representatives from the foreign, maritime, defence and interior ministries, the Board of Investment, the National Hydrographic Office Pakistan and the Directorate General of Ports and Shipping also took part, alongside officials from OGDCL, PPL and GHPL.
Eight blocks awarded to PPL
The vessel's visit follows months after Pakistan Petroleum Limited signed production sharing agreements (PSAs), which divide output and costs between a company and the state, along with exploration licences. These cover eight offshore blocks awarded under the Pakistan Offshore Bid Round 2025. According to a notice the company filed with the Pakistan Stock Exchange, the agreements were executed on May 20, 2026, in the presence of the petroleum minister.
The company said PPL will operate two of the newly awarded blocks, Gharo Creek and Kochi Creek. It will also take part in six blocks run by partners: Bin Qasim South, Keti Bandar, Behr, Zarrar, Offshore Deep D and Sapat Bandar.
Timeline: what has happened so far
- November 13, 2025: PPL announced the provisional award of the offshore blocks.
- May 20, 2026: PSAs and exploration licences for the eight blocks were executed in the presence of the Federal Minister for Petroleum.
- November 17 to 20, 2026: The TPOC seismic vessel is expected to arrive in Karachi.
Aasan alfaaz mein
Pakistan mein samundar ke neeche tel aur gas dhoondne ka kaam dobara shuru hone wala hai. Turkiye ka ek seismic jahaz 17 se 20 November ke beech Karachi pohanchne ki umeed hai, aur petroleum minister ise khud receive karne ki koshish karenge. PPL ne aath offshore blocks ke licences liye hain, jin mein se do blocks ka operator woh khud hogi. Abhi tak petrol, gas ya bijli ki qeemat par is ka seedha asar nahi bataya gaya hai.
