By SKM
April 11, 2025
ISLAMABAD: MariEnergies — one of the main exploration and production companies in Pakistan has invested $250 million in the Waziristan block and managed seven gas discoveries including two tight discoveries. This success will help save $300 million per annum in foreign exchange, a senior official of the company told Exclusivewaves.com.pk.
The company has now successfully drilled another exploratory well Spinwam-1, which has resulted in four discoveries from four different formations. Only one discovery has been put into production, the addition of remaining discoveries into production will substantially decrease Pakistan’s dependence on imported fuel.
“The Waziristan Block was awarded to Tullow in 2005, however, no work was carried out till 2017 when the operatorship was transferred to MariEnergies in 2017 and till today, the company has consistently pushed forward despite challenging security conditions and geographical hurdles. The company acquired seismic data at a cost of $34 million from 2017 to 2020 period.”
The first exploratory well was drilled in June 2021, reaching a depth of 4,915 meters and confirming hydrocarbons in the Hangu and Lockhart formations.
More importantly, the significance of the discovery includes a controlled gas flow of 50 MMSCFD from the Lockhart formation. This area is prone to massive activities of the militants posing threats to the exploration and production activities and to this effect, eight MPCL employees and five FC soldiers got martyred while safeguarding the field from the attacks of the militants.
Despite the security challenges, MariEnergies managed a huge gas discovery known as the Shewa discovery which was the first of its kind in North Waziristan, with the successful drilling of Shewa-2, confirming the potential of the Shewa. The gas supply from the Shewa discovery on March 23, 2025, has been started with a ramp-up to 70 MMscfd of gas and 700 bbl/day of condensate.
The expected revenue generation of Rs6 billion will be for the provincial government through royalties and excise duties. Apart from it, under CSR activities, annual spending of PKR 1 billion have been carried out on local communities and creation of training, development, and employment opportunities for locals.
“MariEnergies’ is committed to grow the energy sector and Pakistan’s energy future, with ongoing efforts for national progress,” the official said.
He went on to say that the national significance of this discovery cannot be overstated, as it not only boosts Pakistan’s energy security but also helps reduce dependency on foreign energy sources, saving the country over $300 million in foreign exchange annually.
“With an investment exceeding $250 million in the Waziristan Block, this project offers both economic and strategic benefits, contributing to national development through job creation, revenue generation, and the enhancement of local infrastructure.”
“Managing Director of MariEnergies, Faheem Haider, has played a pivotal role in steering the company towards achieving significant milestones. Mr Haider embarked on a bold exploration strategy, making crucial investments and decisions that led to the successful discovery of gas and condensate in a highly challenging region.
The role of Pakistan’s security forces has been crucial in ensuring the safety and success of this project. The sacrifices made by the army and law enforcement agencies were instrumental in creating a secure environment for the project’s implementation.
The cooperation between MariEnergies and Pakistan’s security forces, along with the ongoing support from law enforcement agencies, has been vital in achieving these national milestones. Ends
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