Islamabad, November 13, 2025:
In a significant development for Pakistan’s energy sector, the federal government has awarded 23 new offshore oil and gas exploration blocks to Mari Energies Limited (MEL). This move marks a major step toward expanding the country’s efforts to explore hydrocarbon reserves in its coastal and deep-sea regions.
According to Geo News, the Petroleum Division had recently invited bids for offshore oil and gas exploration. After evaluating the proposals, the government finalized the award of 23 offshore blocks — making it one of the largest offshore exploration allocations in Pakistan’s recent history.
As per official details, Mari Energies has been granted operational control of 18 blocks as the primary operator, while the remaining five blocks will be developed under joint venture partnerships with other energy companies. These partnerships are aimed at sharing technical expertise, financial resources, and risk management to ensure efficient project execution.
Mari Energies has formally notified the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) of the development through an official letter, in accordance with corporate disclosure regulations. The company stated that the offshore expansion aligns with its long-term strategy of diversifying Pakistan’s energy portfolio and contributing to national energy security.
Officials from the Petroleum Division revealed that the first phase of exploration is estimated to attract investments worth approximately $80 million, primarily for seismic surveys, data acquisition, and preliminary drilling activities. However, the total investment could rise to $1 billion once full-scale drilling operations commence.
The awarded offshore areas collectively cover an estimated 53,510 square kilometers, stretching across Pakistan’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the Arabian Sea. This vast region has remained largely untapped but is considered highly promising for hydrocarbon potential.
The Petroleum Division further confirmed that four additional energy companies are participating as joint venture partners alongside Mari Energies. These include both local and international firms with extensive offshore drilling experience. The inclusion of foreign technical expertise is expected to enhance the project’s success rate, reduce exploration risks, and accelerate technological transfer.
Energy analysts have welcomed the government’s decision, describing it as a positive signal for the sector. “This large-scale offshore allocation could revive investor confidence in Pakistan’s upstream industry, especially at a time when domestic gas reserves are depleting,” said one industry expert.
The move also aligns with Pakistan’s broader objective of reducing reliance on imported fuels and strengthening its domestic energy infrastructure. Offshore exploration — particularly in deep-water regions — is seen as a long-term investment that could transform Pakistan’s energy landscape over the next decade.
