In a major boost to Pakistan’s upstream energy sector, Oil and Gas Development Company Limited has secured eight offshore exploration blocks under the Offshore Bid Round 2025, marking a significant expansion of its exploration portfolio as the country reopens its deepwater frontier after nearly two decades.
The government’s decision to revive offshore exploration was formalized through the signing of Production Sharing Agreements (PSAs) and Exploration Licences (ELs), signaling a renewed push to attract investment and reduce dependence on imported energy.
The signing ceremony was held at the Ministry of Petroleum in Islamabad and was attended by Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik, who described the development as a “defining milestone” in efforts to revive offshore exploration and strengthen Pakistan’s long-term energy security.
OGDC was represented at the ceremony by MD/CEO Ahmed Hayat Lak and Head of Exploration Dr. Khalid Amin Khan. Senior officials from the Petroleum Division, managing directors of joint venture partners, and representatives of Government Holdings Private Limited also participated in the event.
Under the Offshore Bid Round 2025 framework, OGDC has been awarded a total of eight exploration blocks, including two blocks as operator and six as joint venture partner with other exploration and production companies. The agreements were formally signed between OGDC and its JV partners.
Officials said the reopening of offshore acreage marks a strategic shift aimed at unlocking untapped hydrocarbon potential in Pakistan’s maritime zones, while strengthening domestic exploration activity to improve energy security in the long run.
The latest awards significantly enhance OGDC’s offshore footprint and reinforce its position as the country’s leading exploration and production company, with a renewed focus on expanding frontier exploration opportunities both onshore and offshore.
