Turkish seismic vessel due in Karachi

Arrival between Nov 17-20 revives offshore exploration after nearly two decades

ISLAMABAD:

A Turkish seismic vessel will arrive in Karachi between November 17 and 20, 2026, reviving Pakistan's offshore exploration efforts after nearly two decades, Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik said while chairing a meeting to review preparations for its arrival.

He described the occasion as a special milestone in Pakistan-Türkiye relations, particularly following the signing of the Mecca Agreement, and said the arrival represented a new chapter in the longstanding friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

"This is a special moment for Pakistan-Türkiye friendship. I will try to personally receive the vessel upon its arrival in Karachi," he said.

The minister said the government was fully committed to facilitating the offshore exploration initiative and ensuring all necessary arrangements for the successful commencement of operations.

He assured the Turkish delegation of Pakistan's full support and said both countries would work together to achieve a landmark success that would be remembered for generations to come.

The secretary petroleum also expressed enthusiasm over the upcoming arrival, saying the Petroleum Division was looking forward to welcoming the vessel.

He underscored the importance of coordination among all relevant departments and stakeholders to ensure smooth arrangements. The project manager expressed confidence in the project and appreciated the support extended by Pakistan. He said the team had received encouraging support from Pakistani authorities and hoped for a successful outcome from the offshore exploration effort.

The meeting reviewed operational, logistical, maritime, security and interdepartmental arrangements for the vessel's arrival and the commencement of the offshore exploration campaign to build Pakistan's energy security.

Relevant departments were directed to maintain close coordination to ensure timely facilitation of the vessel's arrival and the start of operations.

The meeting was attended by the project manager, the secretary petroleum, the additional secretary petroleum, the director general petroleum concessions, the managing directors of the Oil and Gas Development Company, Pakistan Petroleum Limited and Government Holdings, and representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Hydrographic Office Pakistan, the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Interior, the Board of Investment and the Directorate General of Ports and Shipping, Karachi. Pakistan's offshore exploration has been largely dormant for nearly two decades, and officials said the arrival would also strengthen bilateral energy cooperation between the two countries.