Mari Petroleum to develop data centers accross Pakistan

Pakistani oil company Mari Petroleum Company Limited (MPCL) has revealed plans to develop data centers across the country as part of an expansion into digital infrastructure. This week the company said it has formed the new digital infrastructure subsidiary with an equity investment of Rs. 10 billion ($36m).

MPCL, founded in 1984, is controlled by Pakistani conglomerate the Fauji Foundation, which is largely controlled by the Pakistani Armed Forces. Mari was formed after Fauji, the state-owned OGDCL, and the Government of Pakistan acquired the Pakistan operations of Esso Eastern Inc.

“By venturing into new areas such as mineral exploration, data center, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, green energies, carbon capture, and storage, we are not only broadening our portfolio but also positioning MPCL for sustainable growth and resilience in a rapidly evolving market,” the company said in its recently published annual report. “The formation of a dedicated [data center and cloud] company will help tap the rising demand for cloud computing and artificial intelligence. It will support digital transformation across industries and will act as an enabler for MPCL’s core E&P and mining businesses.”