Islamabad, February 26, 2026 – The Government of Pakistan has taken a major step to boost domestic energy production by awarding 11 onshore oil and gas blocks to leading national companies, securing a minimum committed investment of Rs8.66 billion (USD 31 million) over the next three years.
The Petroleum Concession Agreements (PCAs) and Exploration Licenses (ELs) were signed in Islamabad under the supervision of Federal Minister for Petroleum, Ali Pervaiz Malik.
The awarded blocks include eight in Balochistan, two in Sindh, and one in Punjab. Prominent joint venture partners include Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL), Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL), Mari Energies Limited (MariEnergies), Pakistan Oilfields Limited (POL), and Prime Global Energies (Prime).
MariEnergies will operate six blocks, including Padag, Chagai, Dalbandin, Merui, Merui West (100% interest) and Ahmad Wal (60% interest with OGDCL 40%). OGDCL will operate three blocks, including Kalat North (100%), Naing Sharif (70% interest with Prime 30%) and Khiu-II (60% interest with MariEnergies 40%). PPL will operate Kalat South (40% interest) with OGDCL and MariEnergies each holding 30%, while POL will operate Jherruk with full ownership.
Federal Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik described the signing as a landmark milestone demonstrating investor confidence in Pakistan’s upstream sector. He emphasized that these investments will accelerate exploration, create jobs, stimulate regional economic activity, and reduce dependence on imported energy.
In addition to the committed exploration investment, companies have pledged over Rs276 million for social welfare initiatives in the respective areas. Successful commercial hydrocarbon discoveries could trigger substantial further investments for field development and production, further strengthening Pakistan’s indigenous energy sector.
This initiative aligns with the government’s strategy to enhance energy security, attract private investment, and promote sustainable economic growth.