Pakistan has made a historic achievement in its energy sector, securing a major offshore oil and gas exploration deal for the first time in 20 years. The development marks a major stride toward energy independence and aligns with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s vision for long-term resource sustainability and economic revival. Officials described the move as a milestone in Pakistan’s quest to strengthen domestic energy production and attract global investment.
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According to official details, successful bids for 23 offshore oil and gas blocks have been finalized, covering an expansive area of around 53,510 square kilometers. The initial investment of $80 million in exploration licenses will rise to approximately $1 billion during the drilling stage, signaling renewed investor trust in Pakistan’s energy potential. Moreover, authorities confirmed that this achievement marks the country’s most successful exploration round in two decades.
The government’s dual-basin strategy, focusing on the Indus and Makran offshore zones, has yielded strong results, opening new avenues for large-scale energy production. Experts believe this step will reduce Pakistan’s reliance on imported fuels while creating job opportunities and driving industrial growth. Furthermore, the successful bidding round has attracted major attention from global investors seeking stable energy prospects in South Asia.
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Notably, several major domestic and international companies participated in the deal. Among them were OGDCL, PPL, Mari Energies, and Prime Energy from Pakistan, joined by foreign partners including Turkish Petroleum, United Energy, Orient Petroleum, and Fatima Petroleum. Their collaboration underscores growing global confidence in Pakistan’s upstream energy sector and reflects the country’s strategic progress in regional energy development.
A recent basin study by the U.S.-based firm DeGliver & McNaughton estimated Pakistan’s offshore reserves at nearly 100 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. These findings prompted the launch of Offshore Round 2025, which officials described as a “turning point” for the nation’s energy landscape. With new exploration activities underway, the project is expected to strengthen Pakistan’s energy security and economic resilience in the years ahead.