New onshore block awards deepen ties with Turkiye
Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik met with Irfan Neziroglu, Ambassador of Turkiye to Pakistan, on Friday to discuss expanding cooperation in the energy sector, including oil and gas exploration and collaboration in critical minerals. The meeting, held at the Ministry of Petroleum, also touched upon the evolving geopolitical environment and diplomatic ties between the two countries.
According to an official statement, the petroleum minister conveyed appreciation for Türkiye's continued diplomatic support to Pakistan, particularly during its recent tensions with India. He said the bond between the two countries had endured over time, strengthened by shared history and strategic alignment. Malik relayed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's gratitude, stating that President Erdogan's vocal support reflects the depth of the Pakistan-Türkiye relationship.
Neziroglu echoed these sentiments, describing the relationship as a "time-tested brotherhood." He praised Pakistan's handling of recent geopolitical challenges.
Discussions focused on energy cooperation, with emphasis on joint ventures, technology transfer, and resource development. Malik noted that Türkiye's state-owned Turk Petrolleri Anonim Ortakligi (TPAO) had been provisionally awarded two onshore blocks in Pakistan in the latest bidding round held on May 13, 2025. One block, Ziarat North in Balochistan, includes JV partners MariEnergies (33.16%, operator), OGDCL (24.87%), PPL (24.87%), TPAO (10%), and GHPL (7.10%). The second, Sukhpur-II in Sindh, was awarded to a JV comprising Prime (25%, operator), OGDCL (30%), MariEnergies (30%), and TPAO (15%).
TPAO has also signed a Joint Bidding Agreement with a consortium of Pakistani firmsMariEnergies, OGDCL, and PPLfor participation in the upcoming Offshore Bid Round 2025.
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