Islamabad (TDI): Pakistan and Turkiye are preparing to revive offshore oil and gas exploration after nearly two decades, with a Turkish seismic survey vessel expected to arrive in Karachi between November 17 and 20 to assess the country’s largely untapped offshore energy potential.
Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik on Friday described the vessel’s arrival as a significant milestone in bilateral energy cooperation, assuring the Turkish delegation of the government’s full support for the initiative.
“This is a special moment for Pakistan-Türkiye friendship. I will try to personally receive the vessel upon its arrival in Karachi,” the minister said, according to The News.
Malik chaired a high-level meeting to review operational, logistical, maritime and security arrangements for the arrival of the vessel, operated by the Turkish Petroleum Offshore Company (TPOC), and the launch of the offshore exploration campaign.
He said relevant Pakistani authorities would work closely with their Turkish counterparts to ensure the project’s successful implementation, describing it as an initiative with the potential to become a landmark in the two countries’ longstanding relationship.
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The Petroleum Division and concerned government departments were directed to coordinate arrangements and facilitate the vessel’s arrival and subsequent operations.
The planned exploration campaign is expected to provide fresh momentum to Pakistan’s largely dormant offshore oil and gas sector, which has struggled to attract sustained investment despite considerable but underexplored hydrocarbon potential.
Seismic surveys are an important initial stage of offshore exploration, helping identify geological structures beneath the seabed that may contain oil and natural gas deposits. The findings can help determine the prospects for further exploration and potential drilling activities.
The Turkish vessel’s arrival therefore represents an important step towards assessing Pakistan’s offshore resources and encouraging renewed interest in the sector.
The meeting was attended by the Secretary Petroleum, senior officials of the Petroleum Division, TPOC’s project manager, and the managing directors of Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL), Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) and Government Holdings (Private) Limited.
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Representatives of the ministries of foreign affairs, maritime affairs, defense and interior also participated, alongside officials from the National Hydrographic Office, Board of Investment and Directorate General of Ports and Shipping.
The Turkish project manager appreciated the cooperation extended by Pakistani authorities and expressed confidence in the exploration initiative.
The project is expected to strengthen energy cooperation between Pakistan and Türkiye while opening a new chapter in Pakistan’s efforts to explore its offshore hydrocarbon resources.
The vessel’s arrival later this month will mark a significant development in bilateral energy engagement, with the results of the seismic campaign expected to help shape future offshore exploration decisions.
