Karachi: In response to recent media reports, Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) has issued a clarification concerning the nature and scope of its ongoing project in the southern marshy region of the Sirani Block, near district Sujawal. The company clarified on November 20, 2025, that the reports suggesting the reclamation of land from the sea to construct an artificial island are misleading and do not accurately represent the project's technical specifications.
The initiative, according to PPL, is focused on enabling safe drilling operations in a challenging marshy environment rather than establishing a standalone offshore island. This project is notable for its complexity and uniqueness, being among the first in Pakistan to attempt drilling in such a marshy, tide-affected area.
The Sirani Block, previously unexplored due to operational and accessibility constraints, is now undergoing significant development. PPL has successfully gathered 2D and 3D seismic data using specialized transition-zone equipment. Construction efforts are underway to support the planned drilling operations, including the development of loading and offloading jetties and an access road that connects the offloading jetty to the well site. Given the marshy subsoil conditions and tidal influences, both the access road and the well pad are being elevated by approximately nine feet to ensure operational continuity and address tidal fluctuations.
The well location is set approximately 30 kilometers from the mainland. A natural water channel, spanning around 17 kilometers between the loading and offloading jetties, will facilitate the transportation of rig equipment and materials via barges. The well is scheduled to be spud in March 2026.
According to information available from the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), PPL's activities in the region reflect a technically advanced approach to overcoming environmental challenges and expanding exploration capabilities within Pakistan. The initiative underscores PPL's commitment to developing resources in previously inaccessible areas.