Oil & Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) has secured exploration rights to eight highly prospective offshore blocks in Pakistan, marking one of the most significant expansions of the country’s offshore energy portfolio in over a decade.

The awards were granted under the Government of Pakistan’s latest offshore licensing round, aimed at accelerating investment in frontier basins and increasing the country’s energy security. OGDCL, as the lead operator, will work in collaboration with a consortium of international and regional partners bringing advanced deepwater expertise, seismic capabilities, and financial strength to the multi-year exploration program.

OGDCL’s JV partners in the exploration rights include Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL), Mari Energies and Prime Global Energies (Prime). The awarded blocks are Bin Qasim South, Behr Block, Gharo Creek, Keti Bandar, Kochi Creek, Offshore Deep D, Sapat Bandar and Zarrar Block. These blocks are located in the Indus and Makran offshore basins.

In the Bin Qasim South block, within the Indus Offshore Basin, OGDCL will operate with a 32% interest, while PPL and MariEnergies each hold 24% each and Prime 20%. For the Keti Bandar block, OGDCL will again operate and maintain a 32% share, with PPL and MariEnergies each at 24% and Prime at 20%.

In the Gharo Creek block, PPL will serve as operator, holding 40%, while OGDCL and MariEnergies will each have a 30% stake. Kochi Creek and Behr Block will have MariEnergies and PPL as operators, respectively, with OGDCL holding a 30% interest in both.

In the Zarrar Block, MariEnergies will serve as the operator with a 32% share, while OGDCL and PPL will each have 24% and Prime 20%. Offshore Deep D will be operated by MariEnergies with a 40% interest, with OGDCL and PPL holding 30% each.

In Sapat Bandar, Prime will operate with a 31% share, while OGDCL, MariEnergies and PPL will each hold 23%. The awarding of exploration licences and the finalisation of agreements, including joint operating agreements among the partners, will be subject to the completion of legal and procedural requirements.

The newly awarded blocks—located across Pakistan’s deepwater and ultra-deepwater zones—cover a combined area of several thousand square kilometers and are believed to hold strong potential for gas-prone and liquid-rich hydrocarbon systems. Initial work programs include 2D/3D seismic acquisition, geological studies, and high-impact drilling campaigns expected to begin in phases starting next year.

The collaboration reflects renewed global interest in Pakistan’s offshore margin, an area that remains significantly underexplored despite promising geological indicators.

Government officials welcomed the award, noting that the initiative aligns with Pakistan’s broader strategy to boost domestic energy supplies, reduce import dependence, and stimulate investment in high-potential frontier regions.

KeyFacts Energy: OGDCL Pakistan country profile