Turkiye is set to begin offshore drilling operations in Pakistani waters soon, marking a significant development in the country’s energy sector.
Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik confirmed that Turkish Petroleum would commence drilling in Pakistan’s territorial waters. He made the announcement while addressing a press conference in Lahore on Sunday.
The development comes as Pakistan seeks to increase domestic oil and gas production. At the same time, the government wants to reduce the country’s heavy dependence on imported energy.
Turkiye to Start Offshore Drilling in Pakistani Waters
Ali Pervaiz Malik said Turkish Petroleum would soon begin offshore drilling operations in Pakistan. According to the minister, the project could help attract significant foreign investment into the energy sector.
Pakistan continues to face major challenges in meeting its energy requirements. Malik said the country currently imports around 90 percent of its energy needs.
Meanwhile, domestic oil production remains far below national demand. Pakistan produces approximately 70,000 barrels of oil per day. However, the country’s daily demand stands at around 500,000 barrels.
The wide gap highlights the need for stronger domestic exploration. Therefore, Malik stressed the importance of accelerating indigenous oil and gas exploration.
The government hopes increased exploration will gradually reduce dependence on costly energy imports. It also expects greater domestic production to strengthen the country’s energy security.
Government Pushes for Faster Energy Exploration
The petroleum minister said Pakistan needs to move faster in developing its domestic energy resources. He linked increased exploration with the country’s broader economic goals.
According to Malik, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir have assigned a leading international company an important task.
The company is preparing a comprehensive roadmap for Pakistan’s energy sector. The roadmap will outline a broader direction for the country’s future energy development.
Malik said the plan would be presented to the national leadership in the coming months. The initiative reflects the government’s focus on addressing long-standing energy challenges.
At the same time, the government is seeking greater investment in the sector. Offshore exploration could therefore become an important part of Pakistan’s efforts to expand domestic energy production.
Circular Debt Remains a Major Focus
Malik also spoke about the government’s efforts to address the energy sector’s financial challenges. He said the flow of circular debt had been halted.
However, outstanding liabilities from previous administrations still need to be addressed. The government is working to clear those liabilities, according to the minister.
The issue remains closely connected with Pakistan’s wider energy sector challenges. Therefore, managing financial pressures remains important alongside increasing domestic production.
The minister also announced that LPG tenders would open on Monday. He said the government had made arrangements to issue new gas connections for consumers.
These steps come as authorities seek to improve energy availability. Meanwhile, the government is also focusing on longer-term solutions through exploration and investment.
Pakistan Eyes Sustainable Economic Growth
Malik said Pakistan’s next major destination after achieving strategic and diplomatic successes was sustainable economic progress.
He said the government had already taken difficult economic decisions to stabilise the country’s economy. Now, the focus has shifted towards accelerating economic growth.
The petroleum minister also highlighted the government’s efforts to maintain fuel supplies. He said international developments had created significant pressure on global energy markets.
According to Malik, the Iran-US conflict created major challenges for global energy markets. It also contributed to unprecedented increases in crude oil and petroleum product prices.
Despite these pressures, Malik said the government ensured uninterrupted fuel supplies across the country. The authorities also tried to shield consumers from the full impact of higher international prices.
Energy Security Becomes Increasingly Important
Pakistan’s heavy reliance on imported energy continues to place pressure on its economy. Consequently, expanding domestic production remains a key challenge for policymakers.
The planned Turkish offshore drilling operations could add another dimension to Pakistan’s exploration efforts. However, the broader impact will depend on the results of exploration and subsequent development.
For now, the government is emphasising faster exploration and greater investment. The petroleum minister has also stressed the need to develop indigenous energy resources.
At the same time, Pakistan faces the challenge of balancing immediate energy needs with longer-term reforms. Increased domestic production could help narrow the gap between local supply and demand.
The government also remains focused on providing relief to consumers. Malik said authorities were working to provide maximum relief despite limited financial resources.
The planned offshore drilling initiative therefore comes at an important point for Pakistan’s energy sector. It reflects the government’s wider push to strengthen domestic exploration and reduce import dependence.
