ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Turkiye have taken a significant step toward deepening their energy cooperation by signing a Joint Bidding Agreement to participate in Pakistan’s upcoming offshore block bid round. The agreement was formalized on the sidelines of the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum 2025, signaling a strong commitment to tapping into the country’s untapped offshore energy reserves.
The agreement was signed by Ahmed Turkoglu, CEO of Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO), along with Faheem Haider, Managing Director of Mari Energies; Ahmad Hayat Lak, Managing Director of Oil & Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL); and Imran Abbasi, Managing Director of Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL).
The collaboration targets exploration of 40 offshore blocks in the Makran and Indus basins—regions identified as holding significant hydrocarbon potential. The offshore bid round, launched in February 2025, is part of Pakistan’s broader strategy to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) and revitalize its upstream energy sector.
Federal Minister for Petroleum, Ali Pervaiz Malik, confirmed the development, stating:
“We are pleased to announce that Pakistan’s top exploration and production companies—Mari Energies, OGDCL, and PPL—have joined forces with Turkiye’s state-owned TPAO to jointly participate in this strategic offshore bidding round.”
He emphasized that the partnership is expected to bring in critical investment, introduce cutting-edge international technologies, and enhance Pakistan’s energy self-sufficiency.
“This strategic collaboration will help us unlock the vast, untapped potential of our offshore energy resources,” Malik added.
The Minister also held a bilateral meeting with Turkish Minister for Energy and Natural Resources, Alparslan Bayraktar, during which both sides reaffirmed their commitment to boosting energy sector cooperation and supporting foreign investment.
Minister Bayraktar praised Pakistan’s efforts in hosting the Minerals Investment Forum and expressed optimism about the growing synergy between the two nations in the energy domain.
Recent seismic studies have pointed to promising offshore prospects in the Makran and Indus basins. With strong governmental backing and international collaboration, the joint bidding agreement is seen as a milestone in Pakistan’s journey toward energy security and economic growth.
