The project officially commenced in 2005 with Ministry of Science and Technology as lead ministry. Being an important stakeholder, PNHD remained attached with this project right from its inception. Scientists from NIO and PNHD worked together for various phases of this claim preparation. Pakistan submitted its claim with UN Commission on the Limits of Continental Shelf (UNCLCS) on 30 Apr 09. The commission approved extension of shelf to 350 NM in Mar 2015.