Islamabad: In a crucial step forward for Pakistan’s energy sector, a consortium agreement was signed for the Machike-Thalian-Taru Jabba White Oil Pipeline Project on September 4, 2024. The event took place at the SIFC Secretariat, Prime Minister’s Office, marking a significant milestone in the development of the nation’s energy infrastructure.
According to Press Information Department, the ceremony was attended by notable figures including Federal Minister for Petroleum Dr. Musadik Malik, DG Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) Major General Asad Rehman, and Chairman OGRA Masroor Khan. The agreement was signed by the heads of the consortium entities, including MD Pakistan State Oil (PSO) Syed Muhammad Taha and DG Frontier Works Organization (FWO) Major General Abdul Sami. Additionally, a Memorandum of Understanding was also signed with stakeholders such as CEO PAPCO Mr. Irtiza Qureshi and MD Interstate Gas Systems (ISGS) Mr. Nadeem Bajwa, building upon a prior Memorandum of Understanding for Consortium Formation signed among the stakeholders on February 14, 2024.
The Machike-Thalian-Taru Jabba White Oil Pipeline (MTT-WOP) is designed to establish a crucial oil pipeline corridor from Karachi to Peshawar. This project not only aims to facilitate the energy-efficient movement of petroleum products but also enhances safety, prevents adulteration, and includes connectivity options with multiple refineries along its route. The pipeline, spanning 477 kilometers, will initially have a carrying capacity of 7 million tonnes per annum (MTPA), which is extendable to 10 MTPA.
This pipeline is a flagship project led by the FWO and supported jointly by PSO, PARCO, and ISGS. It represents a strategic endeavor to reduce reliance on road transport for oil distribution, thereby minimizing environmental impacts and improving the efficiency of the supply chain. The signing of this consortium agreement signals the commencement of the project’s implementation phase, with construction expected to start soon. The consortium partners are committed to completing the project within the stipulated timeline while adhering to the highest standards of safety and efficiency.