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PPL denies plan to build ‘artificial island’, says work limited to safe drilling setup

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PPL denies plan to build ‘artificial island’, says work limited to safe drilling setup


A view shows an oil pump jack outside Almetyevsk in the Republic of Tatarstan, Russia June 4, 2023. — Reuters 
  • PPL says activity aimed at ensuring safe drilling operations in Sirani.
  • Company describes initiative as first attempt to drill in such terrain.
  • “Exploratory well is scheduled to be spud in March 2026.”

KARACHI: State-owned energy company Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) on Thursday rejected reports claiming it was reclaiming land from the sea to construct an artificial island for oil and gas exploration, saying that the project involved only preparatory work to enable drilling in a difficult marshland environment.

A day earlier, Bloomberg reported that PPL is reclaiming land from the sea to create a launchpad to ramp up oil and gas exploration.

The outlet quoted PPL’s General Manager Exploration and Core Business Development, Arshad Palekar, as saying that an artificial island would be created about 30 kilometres off the coast of Sindh, near Sujawal.

In a formal clarification, a copy of which is available with Geo.tv, the company said recent coverage about “reclaiming land from the sea to build an artificial island” was “misleading and does not fully reflect the technical scope and design of the project.”

PPL said the ongoing activity was aimed at ensuring safe and stable drilling operations in the tide-affected Sirani Block near Sujawal — an area that has remained largely unexplored because of severe accessibility and operational constraints.

“The activities underway relate to enabling safe drilling operations in a challenging marshy environment, rather than the development of a standalone offshore island,” the company stated.

Describing it as one of Pakistan’s first attempts to drill in such terrain, PPL said it had already completed 2D and 3D seismic surveys using specialised transition-zone equipment.

“Construction work is currently underway to facilitate drilling, including loading and offloading jetties and an access road linking the jetty to the well site,” it added.

Given the marshy subsoil and tidal conditions, both the access road and the well pad are being elevated by about nine feet. “This is essential to ensure operational continuity and mitigate the effects of low and high tides,” the clarification said.

“The well site lies nearly 30 kilometres from the mainland. A 17-kilometre natural water channel will be used to transport rig components and material via barges between the jetties, according to the company. The exploratory well is scheduled to be spud in March 2026,” the company concluded.

Islamabad has intensified its drilling efforts after US President Donald Trump expressed interest in the country’s oil reserves and a recent study indicated the presence of significant yet-to-be-found hydrocarbons in offshore basins.

The report comes weeks after Pakistan awarded 23 offshore exploration blocks to four consortia, comprising local and foreign firms.

The Ministry of Energy announced on October 31 that the country had held its first such bidding round in nearly two decades, awarding 23 of the 40 offshore blocks offered, covering approximately 53,500 square kilometres.

In July, US President Trump had said that his government concluded a deal with Pakistan, where the two countries will work together on developing Islamabad’s “massive oil reserves”.

“We are in the process of choosing the Oil Company that will lead this partnership,” he wrote in his post on Truth Social.





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Chris Hemsworth reveals what keeps marriage strong after all these years

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Chris Hemsworth reveals what keeps marriage strong after all these years


Chris Hemsworth reveals what keeps marriage strong after all these years

Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky have been together for many years, and the actor has now shared what truly keeps their marriage strong.

The couple got married in Australia in December 2010, just months after they first met through Chris’ talent agent.

Since then, they have built a life together while raising three children and balancing busy careers.

Chris recently explained that honesty plays a big role in their relationship.

He said Elsa always tells him the truth, no matter what and while other people might praise his work, Elsa will be honest if something does not work.

He trusts her because she knows him deeply and understands what he is capable of.

Elsa agrees with this approach and says she never pretends to like something just to be kind.

Chris shared that her honest opinions help him not only in his marriage but also in his acting career, as he often relies on her feedback when deciding which projects feel right.

The couple share a daughter, India, and twin sons, Sasha and Tristan. Chris has said his children are not impressed by fame.

The star focuses on teaching them hard work and strong values, lessons he learned growing up.

For Chris, love, truth and respect matter more than anything else.





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Shia LaBeouf battles addiction amid public and legal pressure

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Shia LaBeouf battles addiction amid public and legal pressure


Shia LaBeouf battles addiction amid public and legal pressure

Actor Shia LaBeouf has been ordered to go to rehab after getting arrested on February 17 during Mardi Gras in New Orleans.

He was involved in a fight with two men and reportedly used homophobic slurs, according to Page Six.

He now faces three misdemeanor battery charges.

At a recent court hearing, Judge Simone Levine said she was not sure LaBeouf is serious about his alcohol problems.

She, however, denied his request to travel to Rome and set a $100,000 bond. He must also take drug tests and enter rehab.

Sources say the punishment could let him do rehab online, as they described LaBeouf as someone who can act like he is serious about recovery, even though he does not believe he has an addiction.

In a recent interview, he said his behaviour was because of a “small man complex” and not alcohol.

He added, “It’s not nice to hurt people ever. People got hurt. I got to deal with that.”

LaBeouf separated from his wife Mia Goth last year, and sources say she wants him to get help.

Friends warn that his drinking could lead to serious problems, as his Hollywood future is uncertain and he returns to court on March 19.





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When We Were Young Festival announces 2026 hiatus: ‘See you in 2027’

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When We Were Young Festival announces 2026 hiatus: ‘See you in 2027’


When We Were Young Festival takes place each October in Las Vegas

When We Were Young Festival is hitting pause this year.

Organizers of the Las Vegas-based emo and pop-punk fest announced via Instagram on February 27 that the event will take 2026 off — but emphasised the break is only temporary.

“To our When We Were Young Family,” the statement began. “The songs, the memories, the moments – none of it exists without you. After an unforgettable run in Las Vegas, we’ve decided to take 2026 off to give this festival the care it deserves and to make sure what comes next feels just as special as what came before.”

While no specific reason was given for the hiatus, fans were reassured the festival isn’t going anywhere. “When We Were Young Festival will return to Las Vegas in October 2027… This isn’t goodbye – it’s just a pause. We’ll see you in 2027.”

Since launching in 2022, the Live Nation-produced event has become a nostalgic pilgrimage for millennial music lovers, taking over the Las Vegas Festival Grounds each October. Past headliners have included Green Day, Blink-182, My Chemical Romance and the Killers.

The 2025 edition featured Blink-182 and a reunited Panic! at the Disco, marking a rare return following the band’s 2023 split. In 2024, My Chemical Romance delivered a full performance of The Black Parade, alongside a stacked lineup of scene favourites.





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