Pakistan is preparing to restart offshore oil and gas exploration after a gap of 20 years, with a seismic survey vessel operated by Turkish Petroleum expected to reach Karachi between November 17 and 20.

Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik chaired a high-level meeting in Islamabad on Friday to review security, maritime and operational arrangements for the vessel’s arrival and the planned exploration activities, Radio Pakistan reported.

During the meeting, Malik described the project as an important development in energy cooperation between Pakistan and Türkiye. He said he would make efforts to personally welcome the vessel upon its arrival in Karachi.

The petroleum minister assured the Turkish team of full government support and said the project could contribute to strengthening Pakistan’s energy security.

The Secretary Petroleum emphasised the need for coordination among relevant departments to ensure the vessel’s arrival and subsequent survey operations proceed without delays.

The Turkish Petroleum project manager also appreciated the cooperation extended by Pakistani authorities.

The upcoming seismic survey will help identify potential oil and gas reserves beneath Pakistan’s offshore seabed. Such surveys are generally conducted before drilling to assess geological structures and determine whether areas could contain commercially viable hydrocarbon deposits.

Pakistan has not undertaken significant offshore exploration activities for around two decades, despite its continued reliance on imported oil and gas to meet domestic energy requirements.

The arrival of the Turkish vessel is part of broader energy cooperation between Islamabad and Ankara, with both countries pursuing joint opportunities in offshore oil and gas exploration.

The survey is an initial step in assessing Pakistan’s offshore hydrocarbon potential. Any discovery of commercially viable reserves would still require further evaluation and drilling before production could begin.