Pakistan and Türkiye are expanding their energy partnership through joint plans for offshore hydrocarbon exploration. Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) is set to begin offshore drilling in Pakistani waters soon, according to Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik.
In December 2025, TPAO signed agreements with Pakistani companies including Mari Energies, Fatima Group, OGDCL, PPL, Prime and GHPL. These cover three offshore and two onshore fields. Work is expected to start in 2026, with some areas beginning seismic surveys and others moving to direct drilling. Turkish research vessels are planned to arrive in Pakistani waters this year.
Minister Malik said the project will bring significant foreign investment and help reduce Pakistan’s heavy dependence on imported energy. The country currently imports around 90 percent of its energy needs. Domestic oil production is only about 70,000 barrels per day against a demand of nearly 500,000 barrels.
Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar earlier confirmed that TPAO will hold licences in all five fields and act as operator in one offshore block. He expressed hope that the work will deliver concrete results and mark an important step in bilateral cooperation.
This collaboration forms part of wider efforts to boost energy security and support Pakistan’s long-term goals of increasing domestic production.