Pakistan and Türkiye have formed a strategic partnership by signing a significant agreement for offshore oil and gas exploration, ushering in a new chapter of energy collaboration between Islamabad and Ankara.
The agreement was finalized during the 2025 Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum in Islamabad, as announced by Pakistan’s Petroleum Ministry. Earlier this year, Pakistan had launched a bidding round offering exploration licenses for 40 offshore blocks in the Makran and Indus basins.
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This initiative aims to attract essential foreign direct investment (FDI) to Pakistan’s expanding energy sector. As part of the deal, Mari Energy, OGDCL, and Pakistan Petroleum Limited will join forces with Türkiye’s state-owned enterprise, Türkiye Petrolleri Anonim Ortaklığı (TPAO), to compete for exploration rights to these offshore blocks.
The collaboration is expected to bring in much-needed foreign investment and facilitate the transfer of advanced international technology and expertise.
The Pakistani government, led by Prime Minister Sharif, is focused on unlocking the potential of the country’s offshore energy resources, which could significantly contribute to strengthening the nation’s energy sector.
Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar also expressed his strong support for the agreement, while Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to fully support and encourage such energy exploration efforts.
