Karachi, March 25, 2025 – In a significant development for Pakistan’s energy sector, the Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) partner-operated Kirthar Joint Venture (Kirthar JV) has announced a new gas discovery in the Kirthar Block, situated in District Dadu, Sindh Province.
This discovery marks another step toward enhancing domestic gas production and reducing reliance on imports.
According to an official announcement shared by PPL with the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), the Kirthar JV—comprising Pakistan Oil & Gas Company (POGC) as the operator with a 70% working interest and Pakistan Petroleum Limited holding a 30% share—successfully discovered hydrocarbons from its exploratory well, Rafat-1. The well is located in the Kirthar region of Sindh, an area known for its hydrocarbon potential.
The exploratory well Rafat-1 was spud-in on September 20, 2024, targeting the hydrocarbon reserves in the Pab Formation. After extensive drilling, the well reached a total measured depth of 2,514 meters on December 18, 2024. Encouraging signs from wireline logs and drilling data prompted a Drill Stem Test (DST), during which significant gas indications were observed at the surface. However, due to the extremely tight nature of the reservoir, hydraulic fracturing was performed to enhance gas flow. Following the fracking process, the well was opened for clean-up at different chokes, and additional wireline perforations were carried out.
Subsequently, Rafat-1 underwent a successful completion integrity test (CIT), and after rig release, rigless testing was conducted. During this phase, the well produced gas at a rate of 1.10 million standard cubic feet per day (MMScfd) on a 48/64” choke with a flowing wellhead pressure of 110 psi.
The latest gas discovery in the Kirthar Block underscores the Kirthar JV’s commitment to ongoing exploration efforts and strengthening Pakistan’s domestic energy supply. While this is a relatively modest find, it contributes to the overall gas reserves of the country and highlights the region’s potential for further hydrocarbon exploration.
This announcement has been made in compliance with Section 96 of the Securities Act, 2015, and Clause 5.6.1 of the Pakistan Stock Exchange Limited Regulations to ensure transparency among investors and stakeholders.