Pakistan and Türkiye are set to revive offshore oil and gas exploration after nearly two decades, with a Turkish seismic vessel expected to arrive in Karachi between Nov. 17 and 20, marking a fresh push to assess the country's untapped offshore energy potential.
Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik said Friday the government would extend full support to the initiative, describing the vessel's arrival as a milestone in bilateral energy cooperation and Pakistan-Türkiye relations. "This is a special moment for Pakistan-Türkiye friendship.
I will try to personally receive the vessel upon its arrival in Karachi," the Federal Minister said. Malik chaired a high-level meeting to review operational, logistical, maritime, and security arrangements for the arrival of the vessel operated by Turkish Petroleum Offshore Company (TPOC) and the launch of the offshore exploration campaign.
The minister assured the Turkish delegation of Pakistan's full cooperation, saying both countries would work together to achieve a landmark success that would be remembered for generations to come. The Petroleum Division and relevant government departments were directed to coordinate closely to ensure timely arrangements and facilitate the vessel's operations.
The project is expected to provide fresh momentum to Pakistan's largely dormant offshore exploration sector, which has struggled to attract sustained investment despite the country's significant but largely untapped offshore hydrocarbon potential. The meeting was attended by the secretary petroleum, senior Petroleum Division officials, TPOC's project manager, and managing directors of Oil and Gas Development Company Ltd. (OGDCL), Pakistan Petroleum Ltd. (PPL), and Government Holdings (Private) Ltd. (GHPL).
Representatives of the ministries of foreign affairs, maritime affairs, defence, and interior, along with the National Hydrographic Office, Board of Investment, and Directorate General Ports and Shipping, also participated. The Turkish project manager appreciated the support extended by Pakistani authorities and expressed confidence in the exploration initiative.
The vessel's arrival is expected to mark a new phase in Pakistan's offshore exploration drive while deepening energy cooperation between the two countries. This strategic partnership underscores the growing economic ties between Islamabad and Ankara, aiming to reduce Pakistan's reliance on imported energy by exploring indigenous resources.