Mari Energies allowed to import aircraft, conduct airborne surveys across exploration blocks in KP, Balochistan

Profit by Pakistan Today reported, citing The Express Tribune, that Mari Energies has received a conditional no-objection certificate allowing it to bring an aircraft into the country on a temporary basis. The airborne Strike Field Detection surveys it plans will take place at several sites in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, though the clearance comes with security and data-sharing limits. The certificate names Wali West, Waziristan and Karak in KP, plus Block-28, Hanna, Hanna South, Ziarat and Ziarat North in Balochistan.

Surveys must stay within jointly agreed areas, and Mari must give at least two weeks' notice before the aircraft and crew arrive. Every sortie also requires 48 hours' advance notice to the Strategic Plans Division (SPD), and two SPD officers will fly aboard every mission to monitor and coordinate. Each new flight needs SPD clearance based on data gathered on the previous one, and no survey data may leave Pakistan without that approval.

The approval also gives the SPD priority rights if strategic minerals are found, with access and passage required if the division decides to act in such areas. Foreign experts may come only after receiving security clearance, while local authorities handle their protection. Survey teams are also barred from visiting or photographing critical points and defence facilities. Mari will meet transport, accommodation and administrative costs of the surveys and must certify compliance with every condition attached.