In a major step toward deepening economic and strategic cooperation, Turkiye is poised to become one of most significant partners of Pakistan in the energy and mining sectors. Both countries have signed multibillion-dollar agreements this week, marking a new era of collaboration that could reshape Pakistan’s offshore energy landscape and unlock vast mineral potential.
Türkiye and Pakistan have signed major gas and mining agreements expected to attract over $300 million in investment to expand offshore oil and gas exploration activities, as well as deepen cooperation in the mining sector.
The Turkish Petroleum Overseas Company (TPOC) signed five petroleum concession agreements with Pakistan—three covering offshore blocks and two onshore. The agreements were signed during a ceremony at the Prime Minister’s Office in Islamabad, attended by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Türkiye’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Alparslan Bayraktar.
High-Level Turkish Delegation Signed Landmark Agreements
A high-powered Turkish delegation—led by Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar arrived in Islamabad on Tuesday. During the visit, Turkish Petroleum Overseas Company (TPOC) and Pakistan’s leading energy firms inked a landmark commercial agreement for Eastern Offshore Block-C, a zone long considered promising but underexplored.
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The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) recently approved transferring operatorship of Block-C to TPOC, granting the company a 34% working interest, with OGDC receiving 26% and Mari Energies 20%. The agreement is expected to kickstart full-scale exploration activities in 2025.
Officials claims Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik played an instrumental role in finalizing the partnership, strengthening Pakistan’s long-term objectives of diversifying its energy mix and attracting foreign investment.
Minister Bayraktar noted that this was his third visit to Pakistan in a short period and that he had arrived with the “first tangible and solid projects for cooperation.” He said Türkiye plans to launch new joint ventures in oil and gas exploration, energy infrastructure, and mining to help achieve the shared goal of increasing bilateral trade to $5 billion.
Mineral Projects Also on the Table
Beyond offshore hydrocarbons, the Turkish delegation also finalized a significant mineral development deal. A leading Turkish mining company, having conducted earlier visits, is eyeing opportunities in Pakistan’s copper and gold belt in Balochistan.
While the organization is not considered to be the part of the Reko Diq consortium, officials confirm that it intends to secure a mining lease on the same 15-kilometre mineral-rich belt, which has been drawing international interest since Reko Diq’s revival. This growing investor attention is the clear manifestation renewed global confidence in Pakistan’s mining potential.
A Boost to Investor Confidence
The entry of a major Turkish firm in Pakistan’s energy and mining landscape is being seen as a hopeful sign, especially after many international companies previously exited due to bureaucratic hurdles. Experts keep on believing that success in these ventures could encourage other global players to reconsider Pakistan as a viable investment destination.
State-owned OGDC continues to push exploration efforts using advanced technologies, while Pakistani companies are also expanding overseas—exploring offshore reserves in the UAE. Partnerships with firms like Turkish Petroleum are anticipated to further elevate their international standing.
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Strengthening Bilateral Ties
On Monday, Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik encountered Turkish Ambassador Irfan Neziroglu alongside senior officials to finalize preparations for the delegation’s visit. Malik emphasized that this cooperation would be “transformational” for both countries, and improving collaboration across energy, petroleum, and mineral sectors.
The Turkish ambassador has highlighted the Ankara’s growing interest in Pakistan’s mineral development potential, noting that the upcoming agreements represent an important milestone in bilateral ties.