Pakistan is moving ahead with an ambitious offshore energy initiative as Pakistan Petroleum Ltd (PPL) prepares to construct an artificial island to fast-track oil and gas exploration activities. The state-owned energy company is reclaiming land deep in the Arabian Sea to establish a secure offshore launchpad, Bloomberg reported. This marks a major step in Pakistan’s efforts to strengthen its energy portfolio and reduce reliance on imported fuels.
According to PPL’s General Manager Exploration and Core Business Development Arshad Palekar, the artificial island will be located about 300 kilometres off the coast of Sindh. Designed at a height of six feet above sea level, the structure aims to protect operations from high tides and harsh weather conditions. Palekar shared these details on the sidelines of an oil and gas conference held in Islamabad, noting that uninterrupted, round-the-clock drilling will be possible once the platform becomes operational.
Pakistan’s momentum in offshore exploration has increased significantly in recent months. The renewed drive follows a statement by US President Donald Trump in July, in which he highlighted what he described as Pakistan’s “massive oil reserves.” The remark sparked investor interest and encouraged authorities to accelerate exploration efforts across the country’s maritime zones.
In response, Pakistan awarded new offshore licenses to PPL, Mari Energies Ltd, and Prime International Oil and Gas Co. The expansion of exploration rights signals a broader strategic shift aimed at unlocking untapped resources in the deep sea. Government officials hope these initiatives will help address long-standing challenges posed by rising energy demand and declining domestic production.
Palekar said the artificial island project draws inspiration from successful models implemented in Abu Dhabi, where similar platforms have supported offshore drilling for years. He confirmed that construction of the island is expected to conclude by February, with operations beginning immediately afterward. The company has set a target to drill around 25 wells as part of this aggressive exploration campaign.
The initiative represents the first project of its kind in Pakistan and reflects a growing confidence in the country’s offshore potential. If successful, the artificial island could become a central hub for future exploration, paving the way for new energy discoveries and greater national energy security.
