The Government of Pakistan has awarded 11 new oil and gas exploration blocks under fresh concession agreements, reinforcing efforts to expand indigenous energy production and attract upstream investment into the country’s petroleum sector.
The agreements were executed through the Petroleum Division (Pakistan), marking a strategic move to strengthen exploration activities and support long-term energy security by promoting domestic resource development.
The awarded blocks are located across three provinces, including eight in Balochistan (Pakistan), two in Sindh (Pakistan), and one in Punjab (Pakistan), reflecting the government’s focus on exploring untapped hydrocarbon potential in diverse geological regions.
Major energy companies participating in the joint ventures include Oil and Gas Development Company Limited, Pakistan Petroleum Limited, Mari Petroleum Company Limited, Pakistan Oilfields Limited, and Prime Global Energies.
Official statements said the minimum committed investment exceeds $31 million (about Rs8.66 billion), which will be spent over the next three years on seismic studies, exploratory drilling, and other upstream exploration operations.
Authorities also allocated approximately Rs276 million for social welfare programmes in concession areas, aiming to support community development, local infrastructure, and socioeconomic engagement in exploration regions.
Under the operating arrangement, Mari Petroleum Company Limited will serve as operator for six blocks, holding full working interest in five blocks and a majority stake in the Ahmad Wal block in partnership with Oil and Gas Development Company Limited.
Meanwhile, Oil and Gas Development Company Limited will operate three blocks, including Kalat North with full working interest, and will also participate in two joint venture blocks with Prime Global Energies and MariEnergies.
Officials said future commercial discoveries could attract substantial additional investment for field development and production, create employment opportunities, and help reduce Pakistan’s dependence on imported energy.
The government reiterated its commitment to providing a stable and investor-friendly environment to promote sustainable exploitation of the country’s indigenous oil and gas resources.
