Turkish TPAO to explore oil, gas offshore Pakistan in strategic energy move

Türkiye’s state-owned oil and gas company, Turkish Petroleum (TPAO), has signed an agreement with three Pakistani national energy companies to jointly bid in Pakistan’s upcoming offshore oil and gas exploration tender, Türkiye’s Energy and Natural Resources Ministry announced Tuesday.

The deal, signed during an official visit to Islamabad by Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar, marks a deepening of strategic energy cooperation between Türkiye and Pakistan.

Joint bid for 40 offshore exploration blocks

According to the agreement, TPAO will partner with Mari Energies, Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL), and Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) to submit joint bids for selected offshore blocks.

Pakistan is expected to launch tenders for 40 exploration blocks by June 30, 2025—14 in the Makran offshore basin and 26 in the Indus offshore basin.

“One Turkish and three Pakistani companies will submit joint offers for blocks they mutually agree upon,” the ministry said.

Strategic energy cooperation highlighted

Speaking during the Pakistan Mining Investment Forum, Bayraktar said the collaboration not only strengthens bilateral ties but also contributes to regional energy security.

“This step will deepen the strategic energy partnership between Türkiye and Pakistan and will also be an important threshold in terms of regional energy security.” Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar, who attended the ceremony, said.

Diplomatic, military engagements in Islamabad

During his visit, Bayraktar met separately with Pakistan Petroleum Minister Ali Parvaiz Malik and Minister for Power Sardar Awaiz Ahmad Khan Leghari to discuss bilateral energy initiatives.

Bayraktar was also received by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, with whom he reviewed Türkiye–Pakistan energy relations. In addition, he met with General Asim Munir, chief of Pakistan’s Army Staff.

Türkiye expands global energy presence

The agreement marks the latest step in Türkiye’s strategy to expand its energy footprint abroad.

While the Oruc Reis seismic research vessel continues operations off the coast of Somalia, the TPAO-Pakistan partnership signals further diversification of Ankara’s overseas energy investments.