- Turkish vessel likely to reach Karachi between Nov 17 and 20.
- Petroleum minister says govt will extend full support to initiative.
- Turkish project manager hails support by Pakistani authorities.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Turkiye are preparing to resume offshore oil and gas exploration after nearly 20 years, with a Turkish seismic vessel scheduled to arrive in Karachi between November 17 and 20 to assess the country’s untapped offshore energy reserves.
Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik on Friday said that the government would extend full support to the initiative, describing the vessel’s arrival as a milestone in bilateral energy cooperation and Pakistan-Turkiye relations, according to The News.
“This is a special moment for Pakistan-Turkiye friendship. I will try to personally receive the vessel upon its arrival in Karachi,” the minister said.
Malik chaired a high-level meeting to review operational, logistical, maritime and security arrangements for the arrival of the vessel operated by Turkish Petroleum Offshore Company (TPOC) and the launch of the offshore exploration campaign.
The petroleum minister assured the Turkish delegation of Pakistan’s full cooperation, saying both countries would work together to achieve a landmark success that would be remembered for generations to come.
The Petroleum Division and relevant government departments were directed to coordinate closely to ensure timely arrangements and facilitate the vessel’s operations.
The project is expected to provide fresh momentum to Pakistan’s largely dormant offshore exploration sector, which has struggled to attract sustained investment despite the country’s significant but largely untapped offshore hydrocarbon potential.
The meeting was attended by the secretary petroleum, senior Petroleum Division officials, TPOC’s project manager, and managing directors of Oil and Gas Development Company Ltd., Pakistan Petroleum Ltd. and Government Holdings (Private) Ltd.
Representatives of the ministries of foreign affairs, maritime affairs, defence and interior, along with the National Hydrographic Office, Board of Investment and Directorate General Ports and Shipping, also participated.
The Turkish project manager appreciated the support extended by Pakistani authorities and expressed confidence in the exploration initiative.
The vessel’s arrival is expected to mark a new phase in Pakistan’s offshore exploration drive while deepening energy cooperation between the two countries.
