ISLAMABAD: Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDC), Pakistan's leading exploration and production entity, has successfully acquired eight offshore exploration blocks under the Offshore Bid Round 2025, marking a significant expansion in its exploration activities.

According to Oil and Gas Development Company Limited, the Government of Pakistan has reopened its offshore exploration sector after almost two decades by signing Production Sharing Agreements and Exploration Licences as part of the Offshore Bid Round 2025. The signing ceremony took place at the Ministry of Petroleum in Islamabad, attended by Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik, who described the development as a pivotal moment for revitalizing offshore exploration, attracting investment, and diminishing reliance on imported energy.

During the ceremony, OGDC was represented by MD/CEO Ahmed Hayat Lak and Head of Exploration Dr. Khalid Amin Khan. Other attendees included the Secretary of the Petroleum Division, managing directors of joint venture partners, and representatives from Government Holdings Private Limited. Under the new agreements, OGDC has been awarded eight exploration blocks, comprising two blocks as the operator and six blocks as a joint venture partner with other exploration companies.

This reopening of Pakistan's offshore exploration frontier is viewed as a crucial step in tapping into previously unexplored energy resources and enhancing long-term energy security through increased domestic exploration efforts. The development is a notable enhancement of OGDC's offshore exploration portfolio and reflects its ongoing commitment to advancing domestic energy exploration and contributing to Pakistan's energy security in the long run.