Karachi: In a significant development for Pakistan’s energy sector, a joint venture led by United Energy Pakistan Limited has announced a new gas discovery in the Kotri North Block, located in District Jamshoro, Sindh Province. The partnership, which includes Pakistan Petroleum Limited with a 40% working interest and Asia Resources Oil Limited holding a 10% stake, revealed the findings from its exploration well, Barki-1, on October 8, 2025.

The exploration well Barki-1, part of the PPL Partner Operated Joint Venture, was spudded on July 21, 2025. Drilled to a total depth of 3,392 feet Measured Depth (MD), the well aimed to assess the hydrocarbon potential of Late Cretaceous and Early Paleocene Sand. Encouraging results from wireline logs and drilling data led to Modular Dynamic Testing (MDT) within the interbedded sandstones of the Pab Formation, confirming the presence of hydrocarbons. Subsequently, the well underwent Completion Integrity Testing (CIT), initially flowing at a rate of approximately 1.5 million Standard Cubic feet per day (MMscfd) of gas with a Flowing Wellhead Pressure (FWHP) of 200 psig at a 32/64″ choke. Post-acid stimulation, the flow rate improved to around 5.5 MMscfd with FWHP increasing to 460 psig.

According to information available from the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), the discovery at Barki-1 underscores the hydrocarbon potential of the Pab Sands in the Kotri North Block. The announcement is in compliance with section 96 of the Securities Act, 2015, and Clause 5.6.1 of the Pakistan Stock Exchange Limited Regulations, ensuring dissemination among PSX members.

With similar plays of Late Cretaceous and Early Paleocene sands under evaluation for future drilling, the joint venture plans to capitalize on this opportunity, potentially enhancing the country’s energy resources. The designated market category for this development is the energy sector.