ISLAMABAD: The Petroleum Division has forwarded a case of around 17 onshore oil and gas exploration blocks to the quarters concerned for security clearance and subsequent initiation of activities to discover hydrocarbon reserves in all four provinces of the country. Official data available with AAP reveals that currently 38 active exploration licenses were awarded to both local and foreign national oil companies, which are undertaking exploration studies and projects in their allocated areas. The exploration and production (E&P) companies, operating in Pakistan, have so far drilled 18 offshore oil and gas wells including Kekra-I to discover hydrocarbon deposits in the deep sea waters, but failed to get the required results. In a bid to accelerate oil and gas exploration activities in potential areas of the country, the official said the government was in process of floating an international tender for award of new exploration blocks. The tenders would be given in international dailies soon, for which the required formalities are being fulfilled, the official added.

Source: Pakistan Today February 23, 2020 17:26 UTC