KARACHI — Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) has reported a promising new gas discovery from its Barki-1 exploration well, located in the Kotri North Block of District Jamshoro, Sindh marking another milestone in the country’s ongoing search for domestic energy resources.
In a filing to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), the company said the well is part of a joint venture operated by United Energy Pakistan Limited (UEPL), with PPL and Asia Resources Oil Limited as partners. Drilling at Barki-1 began on July 21, 2025, and reached a total depth of 3,392 feet, targeting the Late Cretaceous and Early Paleocene formations.
According to PPL, analysis of wireline logs revealed encouraging data, prompting the joint venture to carry out Modular Dynamic Testing (MDT). The test confirmed the presence of hydrocarbons in the interbedded sandstones of the Pab Formation, dating back to the Late Cretaceous period. Following these findings, the well was completed and perforated in the identified productive zones.
Initial Completion Integrity Tests (CIT) produced a flow rate of about 1.5 million standard cubic feet per day (MMscfd) of gas. However, after acid stimulation of the perforated layers, production surged significantly to approximately 5.5 MMscfd, with wellhead pressure rising from 200 psig to 460 psig indicating strong reservoir potential.
Industry observers say this latest discovery underscores the geological promise of the Pab Sands in the Kotri North Block. The joint venture partners are now reviewing similar prospects within the block to design future drilling campaigns aimed at maximizing the area’s hydrocarbon potential.
Under the partnership arrangement, United Energy Pakistan Limited serves as the operator with a 50 percent working interest, while Pakistan Petroleum Limited holds 40 percent and Asia Resources Oil Limited retains the remaining 10 percent.
The company’s disclosure was made in accordance with the Securities Act, 2015, and the Pakistan Stock Exchange’s regulatory framework.
