Pakistan has been negligent about its offshore energy prospects for nearly twenty years by relying on costlier fuel imports to satisfy their energy needs. Pakistan’s government is now taking steps to repair the past neglect of its energy resources. Contracts have been signed for all twenty-one Production Sharing Contracts and Exploration Licenses for Pakistan’s Offshore Bid Round 2025, which is set to take place in the Indus and Makran basins.
An end to a two-decade long hiatus
The Offshore Bid Round of 2025 is the much-needed comeback of Pakistan into offshore drilling following almost two decades of inactivity in the field, which according to energy economists has led to the loss of billions for the country due to missed domestic opportunities. On the other hand, the neighboring countries such as India and Bangladesh had focused on offshore drilling and lessened dependence on energy imports in the meanwhile.
Speaking at the occasion, the Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik stated that the day would go down in history as an important landmark in the government’s efforts towards reviving offshore exploration, attracting both foreign and local investment and minimizing reliance on expensive energy imports. Pakistan has been facing severe economic difficulties due to its high cost of energy imports.
Winners of the Blocks And What They Are Bidding On
Mari Energies has proven to be the company that has dominated Offshore Bid Round 2025 by controlling 18 blocks and having joint venture interests in 5 more. OGDCL and PPL each won eight blocks, while Prime Global Energies, United Energy Pakistan, and Orient Petroleum also secured awards. Turkish Petroleum Overseas Company’s participation signals growing foreign confidence in Pakistan’s offshore regulatory framework.
Two rounds came before the main round.
December 2, 2025 saw the signing of Offshore Deep-C and Offshore Deep-F by the Prime Minister’s Office with a joint venture formed by Mari Energies, Turkish Petroleum Overseas Company, and Fatima Petroleum Company Limited. These pre-signing rounds made up the total of 23 rounds that set the pattern for the entire Offshore Bid Round 2025.
One billion dollar question is: will the drilling take place?
The truly life-changing amount of approximately $1 billion arises only when the companies opt for drilling during Phase II after conducting preliminary seismic surveys. This depends upon whether early exploration results prove to be favorable and whether Pakistan continues to remain economically stable until 2027.
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Contract sanctity and regulatory credibility are key
The Bids Round for Offshore Exploration of 2025 saw offers for exploration on an area of 54,600 square kilometres of sea floor — quite a good start, showing investor interest. But history shows that policy reversals by Pakistan’s government in respect of the energy industry has tended to inhibit investments from coming forward. For this bid to reach its full $1 billion worth, Islamabad needs to show that it will deliver on these aspects.
What success really means
Signing 21 deals is easy. For the Offshore Bid Round 2025, the hard work really starts here – turning those ink signatures into drilling rigs in the water, having data to show, and finally bringing gas down the pipeline. Pakistan can’t waste another two decades. Each year that the country doesn’t move forward with offshore exploration means that more foreign gas is brought in, a weaker rupee, and costly electricity bills. But the chance to do something about it remains wide open – for only so long.
