By: Middle east forum

In early December 2025, Turkey’s state-owned energy company, TPAO, signed hydrocarbon exploration agreements with six Pakistani firms, marking a strategic expansion of bilateral ties that extends beyond energy. The deals address Pakistan’s acute energy shortages and import dependency, while advancing Ankara’s broader goals of diversifying its energy footprint and strengthening alliances outside traditional Western frameworks.

The partnership reinforces an already close political and military relationship between the two nations, integrating energy cooperation into a multi-dimensional strategic alignment. However, the lack of transparency surrounding the financial and operational terms of the agreements raises concerns about accountability and whether Pakistan’s national interests are adequately protected.

Analysts view Turkey’s move as part of a deliberate pivot toward building non-Western alliances, leveraging energy diplomacy to secure long-term influence in South Asia. If exploration proves successful, it could lead to deeper infrastructure integration, further entrenching Turkey’s role in the region. For Pakistan, the potential benefits include enhanced energy security, but these depend on transparent governance and equitable terms often absent in past resource deals.