ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has awarded 11 onshore oil and gas exploration blocks, securing over Rs8.66 billion ($31 million) in committed investment and Rs276 million for social welfare initiatives, in a fresh push to accelerate domestic energy production and curb reliance on imports.
The Petroleum Division signed Petroleum Concession Agreements (PCAs) and Exploration Licences (ELs) at a ceremony attended by Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik, marking what officials described as a major step toward revitalizing upstream exploration.
The newly awarded blocks include eight in Balochistan, two in Sindh, and one in Punjab, reflecting a geographically diversified exploration strategy aimed at tapping untapped hydrocarbon potential across key provinces.
The successful joint venture partners comprise Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL), Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL), Mari Energies Limited (MariEnergies), Pakistan Oilfields Limited (POL), and Prime Global Energies (Prime).
Addressing the ceremony, the petroleum minister termed the agreements a significant milestone in the government’s strategy to enhance local exploration, attract fresh capital, and strengthen energy security. He said the scale of participation demonstrates strong investor confidence in Pakistan’s upstream potential.
MariEnergies will operate six blocks, holding 100% working interest in Padag, Chagai, Dalbandin, Merui, and Merui West, and leading the Ahmad Wal block with a 60% working interest alongside OGDCL’s 40% stake.
OGDCL will operate three blocks, including Kalat North with 100% working interest. It will also lead the Naing Sharif block with a 70% stake in partnership with Prime (30%), and Khiu-II with a 60% stake alongside MariEnergies (40%).
PPL emerged as the highest bidder for Kalat South and will operate the block with a 40% working interest, in partnership with OGDCL (30%) and MariEnergies (30%).
POL secured the Jherruk block with 100% working interest.
Officials said the minimum committed investment of more than $31 million will be deployed over the next three years for seismic surveys, exploratory drilling, and related upstream activities. Additionally, over Rs276 million has been earmarked for social welfare initiatives in the respective concession areas, aiming to support community development alongside resource exploration.
In case of commercial hydrocarbon discoveries, authorities expect substantial additional investments amounting to millions of dollars for field development and production, potentially generating employment, stimulating regional economic activity, and reducing the country’s import bill.
The government reiterated its commitment to maintaining a stable, investor-friendly environment to ensure sustainable development of indigenous energy resources and long-term energy security.
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