ISLAMABAD: Turkiye is set to become a major partner in Pakistan’s energy and mineral sectors as both countries prepare to sign multibillion-dollar agreements this week. A high-level Turkish delegation, led by Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar, will arrive in Islamabad on Tuesday to formalise collaborations in offshore exploration and mineral development.
Officials confirmed that Pakistani companies and the Turkish Petroleum Overseas Company (TPOC) are poised to sign a commercial agreement for exploration activities in the Eastern Offshore Block-C. The Economic Coordination Committee has already approved the transfer of operatorship to TPOC, granting the Turkish firm a 34% working interest, while OGDC and Mari Energies will hold 26% and 20% respectively. Exploration activities are expected to begin next year.
Sources revealed that the Turkish delegation had previously visited Pakistan to solidify a mineral sector deal, also expected to be signed during this visit. The Turkish firm is seeking a mining lease within Balochistan’s expanding copper-gold belt, where the Reko Diq project is situated. With accelerated development at Reko Diq drawing renewed global interest, Turkiye’s engagement highlights growing confidence in Pakistan’s mining landscape.
Pakistan’s offshore exploration efforts have undergone several shifts in recent years. A joint venture involving Italy’s Eni, US-based ExxonMobil, OGDC, and PPL during a previous administration was unable to deliver successful results. Following PPL’s inability to initiate work on Block-C, TPOC has now been selected as the new operator, tasked with leading upcoming offshore activities.
Industry experts note that OGDC continues to expand domestic exploration using modern technologies, while Pakistani companies are increasingly extending their footprint overseas, including offshore ventures in the United Arab Emirates. Collaborations with Turkish Petroleum are expected to further elevate Pakistan’s energy-sector visibility on the global stage.
Ahead of the delegation’s arrival, Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik held a meeting on Monday with Turkish Ambassador Irfan Neziroglu to finalise arrangements. Secretary Petroleum Momin Agha and OGDC Managing Director Ahmed Hayat Lak were also present.
The Turkish ambassador noted that a leading mineral-sector company from Turkiye would be part of the delegation, reflecting Ankara’s strong interest in expanding mineral development partnerships with Pakistan. Malik added that Pakistan’s key exploration firms, OGDC, PPL, and Mari Energies, have aligned with Turkish Petroleum, creating new opportunities for joint ventures and expanding bilateral cooperation.