Turkish vessel to launch offshore exploration in Pakistan

A Turkish seismic research vessel is expected to arrive in Karachi between November 17 and 20 to begin preparations for offshore oil and gas exploration, marking a major step towards reviving Pakistan’s offshore energy sector after a gap of nearly two decades.

The Petroleum Division announced the development on Friday after a high-level meeting chaired by Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik in Islamabad. The meeting reviewed security, maritime and operational arrangements for the arrival of the Turkish Petroleum Corporation’s (TPAO) research vessel.

The vessel’s arrival is expected to give fresh momentum to Pakistan’s offshore exploration programme and strengthen energy cooperation between Pakistan and Türkiye.

Ali Pervaiz Malik said he would personally welcome the vessel in Karachi. He described the development as an important milestone in bilateral relations, particularly following the signing of the Makkah Agreement.

The petroleum minister assured Türkiye of Pakistan’s full support for the offshore exploration project. He said joint efforts would help strengthen the country’s energy security and further deepen economic and strategic cooperation between the two countries.

He expressed confidence that Pakistan and Türkiye would achieve a historic breakthrough through their partnership in the energy sector.

The meeting also directed relevant government departments and institutions to maintain close coordination to ensure the vessel’s safe arrival and the smooth execution of planned operations.

Meanwhile, Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar confirmed that Türkiye’s seismic research vessel Oruç Reis was heading towards Pakistani waters.

Speaking at a meeting with international media representatives in Istanbul, Bayraktar said Türkiye was working to expand the overseas operations of its state-owned petroleum company, TPAO.

He said the company was pursuing international partnerships, mergers and acquisitions to strengthen its presence in global energy markets. He also referred to Türkiye’s ongoing offshore exploration activities near Somalia and its planned work with Pakistan.

Pakistan reopened its offshore oil and gas exploration sector in May 2026 after nearly 20 years. The government subsequently signed production-sharing agreements and issued exploration licences for offshore blocks under the Offshore Bid Round 2025.

The arrival of the Turkish vessel is expected to advance these efforts and open a new chapter in Pakistan-Türkiye energy cooperation.