Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) is relinquishing its role as operator of the Eastern Offshore Indus Block-C, handing over control to Turkish Petroleum Overseas Company (TPOC) in a major strategic realignment designed to accelerate offshore exploration.

According to a PPL information today, the landmark decision is the culmination of high-level government engagements between Pakistan and Turkiye, aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation in the energy sector and attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into the nation”s untapped offshore assets.

In this pivotal shift, PPL has transferred the operatorship of the block to TPOC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Turkiye”s national oil company, Trkiye Petrolleri Anonim Ortakligi (TPAO). The move, subject to regulatory approvals, is intended to incorporate international best practices into the exploration activities.

The farm-out process also brought two of Pakistan”s largest energy corporations into the fold. Both Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) and Mari Energies Limited (MariEnergies) conducted thorough due diligence before executing a comprehensive farm-out accord alongside PPL and TPOC.

Under the new arrangement, PPL will assign a 25 percent Participating Interest (PI) and the operatorship to its Turkish partner. OGDCL and MariEnergies will each acquire a 20 percent PI in the block.

PPL will retain the largest individual share with a 35 percent PI, ensuring it remains a key stakeholder in the block”s future development. This collaboration is seen as a significant step toward unlocking Pakistan’s vast offshore hydrocarbon potential and establishes a foundation for long-term energy cooperation between the two countries.