Karachi: Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) has announced a new hydrocarbon discovery in the Kirthar Block, located in District Dadu, Sindh Province. The announcement, made on March 25, 2025, highlights the collaborative efforts of the Kirthar Joint Venture, which includes the Polish Oil and Gas Company (POGC) as the operator with a 70% working interest, alongside PPL holding a 30% stake.

The exploratory well, Rafat-1, was initially spud-in on September 20, 2024, to assess the hydrocarbon potential of the Pab Formation. By December 18, 2024, the well had reached a total depth of 2,514 meters. Encouraging results from wireline logs and drilling data led to Drill Stem Testing (DST) against zones within the Upper Pab Formation. Initial testing at the surface showed immeasurable gas due to the reservoir's tight nature. Consequently, hydraulic fracturing was employed to boost productivity.

Following the fracking process, the well underwent clean-up at various chokes, and additional wireline perforations were conducted. The well was subsequently completed, and a completion integrity test (CIT) was performed. After the rig was released, rigless testing revealed that Rafat-1 was producing gas at a rate of 1.10 million standard cubic feet per day (MMScfd) using a 48/64" choke and maintaining a flowing wellhead pressure of -110 Psi.

According to information available from the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), the Rafat-1 discovery, while modest in scale, underscores the joint venture's dedication to ongoing exploration initiatives. This effort aligns with the broader goal of unlocking Pakistan’s hydrocarbon resources and strengthening the nation’s energy sector.

The information regarding this discovery has been submitted in compliance with Section 96 of the Securities Act, 2015, and Clause 5.6.1 of the Pakistan Stock Exchange Limited Regulations.