Key Takeaways
- Mari Energies has been allowed to temporarily import an aircraft for surveys in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.
- Strict security conditions and administrative requirements must be met by the company.
- Surveys will cover specific blocks in K-P and Balochistan, with data transmission restricted.
The government has granted Mari Energies permission to temporarily import an aircraft for airborne field detection surveys in selected areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. The surveys will cover Wali West, Waziristan and Karak blocks in K-P, as well as Block-28, Hanna, Hanna South, Ziarat and Ziarat North blocks in Balochistan.
Under the approval, Mari Energies must provide authorities with at least two weeks’ notice before the aircraft and survey team arrive. The company must limit its activities to the mutually agreed areas and arrange transportation, lodging and other administrative requirements for the team without seeking reimbursement.
The government has placed restrictions on the equipment carried aboard the aircraft. Only sensors and equipment required for the surveys and communications will be permitted, while other photographic and survey equipment will be prohibited. Mari Energies must also undertake not to transmit survey data outside Pakistan without clearance from the Strategic Plans Division (SPD).
The SPD will review data collected during each sortie before clearing the next flight, and two SPD officers must be on board every sortie to monitor and coordinate the operation. The company must allow the SPD team to inspect the aircraft before operations begin and communicate each sortie’s schedule at least 48 hours in advance.
Flight routes, from takeoff to landing, must be arranged in consultation with the Directorate of Air Traffic Services. The approval also gives the SPD priority rights if strategic minerals are identified in the survey areas. Mari Energies must provide space and access if the division decides to conduct activities there.
Any foreign experts involved will require security clearance, and they will not be allowed to visit other areas without appropriate security arrangements. The company has been directed to comply fully with all conditions and submit a certificate confirming that the requirements have been observed.
