Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) has announced a significant milestone in the development of its offshore operations, finalizing a strategic partnership with Turkish Petroleum Overseas Company (TPOC) — a wholly owned subsidiary of Türkiye Petrolleri Anonim Ortaklığı (TPAO), Turkiye’s national oil company. The collaboration marks the completion of the farm-out process for the Eastern Offshore Indus Block-C, a vital area for Pakistan’s offshore hydrocarbon exploration.
According to the company, this partnership follows high-level government engagements between Pakistan and Turkiye aimed at deepening bilateral energy cooperation and boosting foreign direct investment (FDI) in Pakistan’s offshore oil and gas sector. The agreement is being viewed as a breakthrough for Pakistan’s energy diversification and exploration efforts in deepwater basins.
Under the agreement, PPL has transferred the operatorship of the block to TPOC, subject to regulatory approvals. The move is intended to introduce international best practices and advanced offshore exploration technology into Pakistan’s energy sector, in line with the government’s long-term vision to expand offshore drilling capacity.
In addition to TPOC, PPL has engaged Oil & Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) and Mari Energies Limited (MariEnergies) in the project. After detailed due diligence, both companies formally signed the farm-out agreement, creating a consortium among PPL, TPOC, OGDCL, and MariEnergies to jointly explore and develop the block.
Under the terms of the agreement:
TPOC will receive a 25% participating interest (PI) and operatorship.
OGDCL and MariEnergies will each hold a 20% PI, while
PPL will retain 35% PI and continue to play a central role in project development.
A PPL spokesperson stated that this partnership represents “a key advancement in Pakistan’s offshore exploration journey,” bringing together the technical expertise of global and national energy leaders. The collaboration is expected to enhance offshore drilling efficiency, attract foreign capital, and accelerate Pakistan’s progress toward energy self-reliance.
Officials said the agreement also symbolizes deep-rooted strategic relations between Pakistan and Turkiye, aligning with broader government-to-government cooperation under the energy diplomacy framework.
The Eastern Offshore Indus Block-C is considered a high-potential exploration site within Pakistan’s deepwater region, where successful drilling could significantly contribute to the country’s domestic energy supplies and reduce import dependence.
Industry analysts described the agreement as a “strategic breakthrough,” likely to strengthen Pakistan’s exploration infrastructure and elevate its global standing in the energy sector. The partnership also sets a precedent for other international investors to enter Pakistan’s growing offshore market.
