The Pakistan Navy, working with China, has confirmed a major deep-sea gas reserves discovery in the Arabian Sea. The announcement was made on Pakistan Navy Day, observed on September 8, to honour the service’s contributions to the country’s defence.
Rear Admiral (retd) Fawad Amin Baig revealed the findings during a televised interview. He said a joint survey conducted by Pakistan and China confirmed that the country’s seabed holds significant natural gas deposits.
According to Baig, the reserves could help reshape Pakistan’s economic outlook if developed with the right technology and investment. He noted that the waters around Pakistan are rich in minerals and marine resources that remain untapped.
The retired naval officer highlighted the role of the Pakistan Navy in leading this exploration effort. He said the discovery is a landmark step toward energy independence and economic growth.
Baig, however, pointed out that progress will require stable investment. He warned that external pressures and “fifth-generation warfare” tactics often discourage investors from entering Pakistan’s energy sector.
To address these challenges, he emphasized the role of the Special Investment Facilitation Council, which was set up to attract and protect international funding. With military and political support, he said, Pakistan aims to ensure investor confidence in energy projects.
China has already pledged to strengthen cooperation with Pakistan in offshore oil and gas exploration. A joint statement last year confirmed that Beijing would encourage Chinese firms to participate in developing Pakistan’s marine resources, including natural gas hydrates and offshore oil blocks.
The deep-sea gas reserves discovery is seen as a potential breakthrough for Pakistan’s energy security. Experts believe that with careful planning and foreign investment, the reserves could provide a long-term solution to the country’s energy shortages.
For more details, you can read the full report here: Pakistan seeks new funding.
